Will he arrive in Israel? Marian Aioani seriously weighs offer from Maccabi Netanya

2.7.2026 / 13:38

Although he initially voiced concern about coming to the country, the Romanian goalkeeper from Rapid Bucharest is considering the proposal he received. He logged 32 appearances last season across all competitions

Preseason match summary: Hapoel Beer Sheva - Radomiak Radom 2:3/Sport1

Maccabi Netanya coach Roni Levy is currently reviewing several foreign goalkeeper candidates to join the squad after negotiations to sign Nadav Zemir from Hapoel Jerusalem stalled for now.

As reported yesterday evening (Wednesday) on Walla Sport, a top candidate is Romanian goalkeeper Marian Aioani, 26, from Rapid Bucharest in the Romanian league. Aioani, a member of the Romania national team squad, received an official approach from Maccabi Netanya. Romanian media this morning confirms the report and adds that he is seriously weighing the offer from Israel. Aioani made 32 appearances for Rapid across all Romanian competitions and earned two official caps for the national team.

Aioani is currently at Rapid training camp yet sent word to club staff that he wishes to depart. The Romanian goalkeeper is in the final year of his contract. Despite initially expressing hesitation about moving to Israel because of the security situation, he is now reconsidering the move.

Reconsidering? Aioani/GettyImages, Vasile Mihai-Antonio

Niv Antman, who extended his contract with the club for another season, will remain in the squad alongside the foreign goalkeeper to be signed, while Omer Niron return to training is delayed after his expected recovery period from surgery extended beyond projections.