Cohen, Nidam and Shahar who climbed through the ranks Youth Department and played last season for the U19’s as well as Israel’s youth teams, signed this morning contract extensions at Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Maccabi’s CEO, Ben Mansford, told the club’s official website: “Everyone at the Club is delighted that three of the best young players in Israel have today signed new contracts with Maccabi. Last season we saw what putting our home-grown Maccabists into the team can achieve. Everyone at Maccabi believes that Bar, Ido and Nadav will soon be following the same path. I’d also like to thank Patrick and his staff for their continued hard work towards developing the next generation and to Mitch for his unwavering investment in the Academy”.
Maccabi’s Performance Director, Patrick Van Leeuwen, added: “Bar, Ido and Nadav are three talented players who played in midfield together for the U17’s before making the step up last season to the U19’s for which they played on a regular basis last season. They all have great potential and an amazing opportunity to become professional footballers and be the future of Maccabi Tel Aviv”
Nidam, who plays as a holding midfielder scored one goal in 27 appearances in all competitions for the U19’s, made his senior debut last season in the 4-1 victory over Maccabi Netanya four days before his 18th birthday. Nidam, who made 24 appearances for Israel’s youth teams told the club’s official website: “I still find it hard to grasp. It is an amazing feeling and a dream come true. For now, I am looking forward and my expectations are to continue making progress and prove myself. I am confident in myself and hope to fulfill my potential”.
Cohen, who plays as an attacking midfielder scored 7 league goals in 30 appearances in all competitions for the U19’s and also made his senior debut in the 3-0 victory over Maccabi Netanya in May 2019. Cohen, who scored 2 goals in 12 appearances for Israel’s youth teams, told the club’s official website: “It is a great feeling. This is big progress for me and I am excited to sign for the biggest club in Israel. I intend to work hard and do the best I possibly can. I really hope this will be evident on the pitch”.
Shahar, scored two goals from the position of a holding midfielder and another two goals in 38 appearances for the Israel youth national teams. Shahar, told the club’s official website: “Maccabi is the place I grew up at and this is my home. To continue at this club, is an amazing feeling. To sign my first senior contract at Maccabi is extremely exciting. My dream is to really reach the senior side and from there the sky is the limit.”.
