Ruslan Barsky, a product of Maccabi’s Youth Department returned to the club this summer having spent the past six seasons on loan at Bnei Yehuda, Maccabi Kabilio Jaffa, Hapoel Jerusalem, Beitar Tel Aviv Ramle and Hapoel Haifa for which he won the State Cup last season.
Barsky, told the club’s official website: “I am delighted to have signed a new contract at the club I grew up and was educated at. I went through quite a journey in order to return to Maccabi Tel Aviv through the front door. I would like to express my gratitude to the coaching staff and management from expressing faith in me and will do everything in order to justify that faith”.
Maccabi’s CEO, Ben Mansford, added: “As much as I am pleased with the new signings, what has given me equal pleasure is the Academy graduates who have returned as Premier League players and who constantly show their commitment to our club. Ruslan had to overcome a serious injury at an early age and has come back stronger and developed through the loan system. After been a significant part of Hapoel Haifa’s success last season, Ruslan has gone to another level this pre-season. This new and long term contract is a recognition of not only his ability but also of how hard work and desire get rewards”. 
Barsky, who captained Maccabi’s Youth Team which won the League and Cup double back in 2010/11 season together with Dor Micha, made his senior debut on August 19th 2012 in a Toto Cup match against Maccabi Netanya. Barsky then joined Bnei Yehuda on loan but after making 5 appearances suffered an injury which side-lined him for the rest of the season. In order to resurrect his career, Barsky joined Maccabi Kabilio Jaffa where he made 30 appearances for the third division side in 2013/14 season alongside Maor Kandil. The following season, Barsky climbed a division and joined Hapoel Jerusalem for which he made 38 appearances in Israel’s second tier. In 2015/16 Barsky joined Beitar Tel Aviv Ramle where he scored his debut senior goal on the way to a total of seven and 82 appearances over a two-year-loan-spell. The talented midfielder, marked his return to the top flight as the 2017/18 season he spent on loan at Hapoel Haifa culminated with 2 goals in 43 appearances and State Cup winners medal.
