Latest news with #Zahavi
Morocco World
2 days ago
- Sport
- Morocco World
Lewandowski Turned Down €100m Saudi Offer
Robert Lewandowski rejected a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia last summer, his agent Pini Zahavi has revealed. Zahavi told FAKT the Barcelona striker was offered more than €100m a season by a Saudi club but chose to stay and compete for La Liga and the Champions League. 'He preferred to fight for La Liga and the Champions League, and he almost achieved both goals,' Zahavi said. Lewandowski scored 42 goals in 52 appearances last season, finishing second in the Pichichi Trophy standings behind Kylian Mbappé. Zahavi described Barcelona as the Pole's 'place on earth' and credited his comfort at the club for his performances. The 35-year-old, currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, missed the recent match against Como but is expected to return soon. His contract runs until 2026, with speculation over whether Barcelona will recruit a younger striker as a long-term replacement. The Catalan club have been linked with Slovenian forward Benjamin Šeško, who recently signed for Manchester United. The 22-year-old scored 39 goals in 86 appearances last season and is regarded as one of Europe's most promising talents. Tags: BarcelonaSaudi Arabia
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Beitar Jerusalem ends Eran Zahavi pursuit, closing door on striker's final stop in Israeli soccer
FOR MORE than a decade, Eran Zahavi has been one of the biggest stars in Israeli soccer, from Tel Aviv to China, the Netherlands and back. But at 37 years old, his playing future is uncertain. (photo credit: Bernadett Szabo/Reuters) Ultimatum, uncertainty, and chemistry concerns derail talks between Israeli soccer star and capital club. Beitar Jerusalem's highly publicized pursuit of Eran Zahavi has officially come to an end, closing the door on what many viewed as the striker's final possible stop in Israeli soccer. Advertisement While rumors had swirled for weeks, the club's announcement that Zahavi would not be joining the squad did not come as a surprise to those involved in the behind-the-scenes negotiations. What looked like a fairytale ending to Zahavi's illustrious career ultimately collapsed due to a combination of hesitation, club policy, and deeper concerns about dressing-room dynamics. Although financial terms were quickly agreed upon, Beitar expected not only Zahavi's world-class talent but also his full enthusiasm and commitment. That eagerness never quite came across. His prolonged indecision set off alarm bells in the club's hierarchy, prompting them to issue a firm ultimatum: he would have to join the team's training camp in Bulgaria if he wished to sign. 'We didn't want to be dealing every day with the question of whether Zahavi would arrive or not,' said a source close to the club. 'It was becoming a distraction.' Internally, Beitar was divided on the potential signing. On one hand, Zahavi's scoring record and star power would be a major boost. On the other hand, there were concerns about how his arrival would affect squad harmony, particularly with prominent attacking players like Omer Atzili and Yarden Shua already in the mix. Eran Zahavi of Maccabi Tel Aviv arrives at the Ben Gurion International Airport, after overnight attacks after the match between Maccabi and Ajax Amsterdam, Lod, Israel, November 8, 2024 (credit: REUTERS/THOMAS PETER) 'Every week there would be pressure – will Zahavi start? Will he be on the bench? That kind of drama is not healthy,' a club official noted. Advertisement From Zahavi's side, those close to him were surprised by the ultimatum. 'It was strange,' one confidant said. 'Especially when it's clear Beitar is still signing other players who won't necessarily be at the training camp either.' Despite the tension, the two sides maintained mutual respect, as Beitar's official statement emphasized. 'The connection between the sides was respectful, remains so, and will continue to be so in the future. The conversations were positive, and the decision was made with mutual understanding.' An icon in Israeli soccer Zahavi, 37, is one of the most iconic figures in modern Israeli soccer. A native of Rishon Lezion, his career began with Hapoel Tel Aviv, where he helped win the Israeli Premier League title and reached the Europa League group stage. He then moved to Maccabi Tel Aviv, becoming a club legend by leading them to three straight championships and breaking the single-season Israeli league goal-scoring record in 2015/16 with 35 goals. Advertisement His success in Israel paved the way for a lucrative move to China's Guangzhou R&F, where he became one of the Chinese Super League's most prolific foreign players, scoring 91 goals in 106 appearances. Zahavi then spent two seasons in the Netherlands with PSV Eindhoven before returning home to Maccabi Tel Aviv in 2022. Internationally, he has scored 33 goals for the Israeli national team, placing him second on the all-time list. Still, despite being physically fit – he continues training daily and maintains a high fitness level – Zahavi has openly wrestled with whether he wants to play another season. 'I felt great physically,' he said recently. 'But I don't want to go through another year like the last one at Maccabi Tel Aviv.' At a recent Phoenix Insurance conference, Zahavi opened up about what might lie ahead. Advertisement 'I have a passion to continue in football because I think I can influence a lot of people,' he said. 'On the other hand, I want to do something meaningful – to help the younger generation, to support personal development, maybe as a sporting director or a player agent.' For Beitar, the saga is now over. The club moves on with plans to sign up to three more foreign players, including a central defender and an attacker. With 10,000 season tickets sold, the financial backing is in place, but the decision to part ways with Zahavi underscores Beitar's commitment to structure and unity over star power. As for Zahavi, this likely marks the end of his club career in Israel. He has repeatedly said he would not play for another Israeli club besides Beitar, ruling out a return to Maccabi Tel Aviv or a move to Hapoel Beersheba or Maccabi Netanya. His options are now down to two: a final challenge abroad – or retirement. One thing remains certain: whether or not Eran Zahavi takes the field again, his legacy in Israeli soccer is already secure.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bayern Demand Clarity as Arsenal and Chelsea Monitor Sane's Future
Premier League on Sane's Radar Amid Bayern Contract Standoff Leroy Sane stands at a pivotal crossroads in his career, with Bayern Munich making it clear they want to retain him—within limits. Sporting director Max Eberl addressed the media on Friday, confirming the club's offer remains on the table but cautioning that the club will not stretch beyond its self-imposed financial framework. Advertisement 'Our wish would be to continue with Leroy,' said Eberl before Bayern's clash with Borussia Mönchengladbach. 'But we've also set ourselves a framework, where we said we want to operate within that framework. And if that framework were to be broken—subjunctive!—then it would be very, very difficult.' This isn't mere posturing. With Sane's contract talks stalling and the influence of his new agent Pini Zahavi growing, Bayern are preparing for all outcomes—including a potential departure on a free transfer if no agreement is reached. Arsenal, Chelsea Keen as Sane Eyes Premier League Return Should Sane decide to part ways with Bayern Munich, there's little doubt about where he'd prefer to go. The German winger has long harboured ambitions of returning to the Premier League. Arsenal and Chelsea are reportedly keeping close tabs on the situation and could make a move should he become available. Advertisement Neither Newcastle nor Tottenham are believed to be serious contenders. While both clubs are rising forces in English football, they reportedly do not meet Sane's personal criteria for a 'top-tier' destination. There is, however, a continental twist to the tale. Sane is not ruling out a switch to Spain. His agent Zahavi enjoys strong ties with both Real Madrid and Barcelona—clubs he has successfully navigated high-profile transfers with in the past, including Robert Lewandowski and David Alaba. Bayern Expecting Answers Before Season Finale Timing is now the critical factor. Bayern Munich are pushing for resolution before the Bundesliga concludes, with the club hierarchy expecting Sane's decision ahead of their final league fixture against Hoffenheim on 17 May. 'It's up to Leroy now,' Eberl added. 'We hope he does it. If not, we'll have to find another solution.' Advertisement Given Real Madrid and Barcelona's crowded attacking departments, a move to Spain is far from straightforward. The door to the Premier League, however, is wide open—and interest from Arsenal and Chelsea ensures Sane could return to England with a club capable of competing at the top level both domestically and in Europe. Zahavi's Influence Could Shape Sane's Next Step Zahavi's growing presence behind the scenes may prove decisive. Known for brokering some of Europe's most complex deals, he's well-placed to orchestrate a major summer switch. Bayern's willingness to hold their line financially suggests they will not be drawn into a bidding war, even for a player of Sane's calibre. The next week could prove decisive. Should negotiations fail, Bayern will shift focus to potential replacements. For Sane, the choice is clear: commit to the Rekordmeister on their terms—or pursue a new challenge in the Premier League or La Liga. Either way, the clock is ticking.
Daily Mirror
08-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Marcus Rashford makes final transfer decision as private Barcelona talks emerge
Manchester United want to sell Marcus Rashford this summer in order to raise transfer funds and the Aston Villa loanee has his heart set on a dream move to Barcelona Marcus Rashford is said to have partnered with super-agent Pini Zahavi as well as indicating a willingness to lower his salary demands in order to help facilitate a move to Barcelona. The England star, 27, is expected to leave Manchester United permanently this summer and the Nou Camp is his dream destination. Crucially, Rashford has managed to boost his stock during the second half of the season after joining Aston Villa on loan but interest in his services from Barca is longstanding. While Rashford ending up staying in the Premier League, there have been numerous reports outlining his desire to join the Spanish giants should he leave Old Trafford for good. And a new report from Mundo Deportivo has claimed that Rashford is now being represented by Zahavi; an agent with close ties to Barcelona who also represents their manager, Hansi Flick, and Robert Lewandowski. It's claimed that the main reason for the move on Rashford's end is due to the fact that Zahavi has strong links to Barca, who do have a void to fill in the left-hand side of their front three with Ansu Fati failing to make an impression on Flick. Zahavi is believed to have a strong relationship with the club's president, Joan Laporta, and it's claimed that talks over a loan move this summer have already taken place. The news will come as a blow to Aston Villa, who negotiated a £40million option to purchase Rashford permanently as part of the deal that saw him move to Villa Park in the winter transfer window. He has four goals and six assists to his name in a Villa shirt but is expected to miss the remainder of the season through injury. United's preference would be to sell their homegrown star, who was dropped by Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese coach is aiming to reshape his playing squad this summer and any transfer fees that can be raised from offloading unwanted stars - such as Rashford and Antony, who has also enjoyed a renaissance away from Old Trafford - would be welcomed by the club. It remains to be seen if Barcelona would be able to meet Manchester United's demands to finance a permanent deal given their cash woes in recent years, while the former may be reluctant to sanction another temporary move for Rashford.
Daily Mail
05-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Leroy Sane 'puts two Premier League clubs on alert after shocking Bayern Munich with surprise agent change and last-minute contract U-turn'
Leroy Sane has dealt Bayern Munich a surprise blow after catching them off guard with a last-minute contract U-turn and changing his agent, according to a report. The forward is said to have largely agreed terms on a new deal and was poised to put pen to paper on a three-year extension until 2028 with reduced wages, taking his salary down to around €15million, approximately four to six million euros less per year. Sane had publicly revealed his desire to stay with the recently crowned Bundesliga champions and the club hierarchy expected negotiations to be wrapped up promptly. But in a bombshell meeting on Saturday night, Sane informed bosses he would be working with Pini Zahavi and leaving former representatives 11Wins. Sky in Germany claim the 29-year-old is now dissatisfied with the package on the table and he will no longer consider a lower salary without a signing fee, which team-mates Alphonso Davies and Jamal Musiala received with their new deals. Despite being caught by surprise, Bayern's management don't plan to make major changes to the terms on offer and are awaiting Zahavi's demands. CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen told Abendzeitung: 'Leroy is having a good season. Zahavi is an experienced agent, not always easy to negotiate with. But that's just how it is. We'll see how it goes. Max Eberl is doing an excellent job with Christoph Freund.' President Herbert Hainer struck a similarly optimistic tone, adding: 'I don't know his motives. We've usually almost always reached an agreement with Zahavi. I'm an optimist by nature. Leroy has said often enough that he wants to stay.' Sky claim Sane, who was on the books at Manchester City between 2016 and 2020, could return to the Premier League if he doesn't sign an extension. He is said to prefer a move to London, which he has been known to enjoy visiting on his days off, and Arsenal are reportedly interested in snapping him up. Chelsea could also be in the picture. Christopher Nkunku - another forward advised by Zahavi - is expected to leave Stamford Bridge this summer over a lack of game time and that would free up a spot for Sane in Enzo Maresca's plans. At present, a switch to Saudi Arabia is not thought to be an option for Sane. Fresh talks between Zahavi and Bayern are expected to take place soon and Sky report that both camps are hopeful of a quick decision. Sane has scored 11 goals and bagged five assists in his 28 Bundesliga appearances this season and has won the German title four times since signing in 2020. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has promised a 'big' summer of spending. 'It's going to be a big one and we are very excited about it,' he said. 'When you are going to go again, we want to increase the depth of the squad and the quality and the skills that we need to go to the next step. 'Every summer is big because it is an opportunity and especially because of the number of players we have in the squad right now, that is necessary. 'But it's a big summer for many things because first of all we have to maintain the good foundations that we have and then how can we improve and evolve the team.'
