Rares Ilie (183cm) joined Maccabi Tel Aviv from French outfit OGC Nice after an agreement was reached between the two clubs for the loan deal of the 19 year old winger.
After successfully undergoing his medical, Ilie, who will wear the number 11 jersey at Maccabi, told the club’s official website: “I am happy to join Maccabi and looking forward to help my new teammates challenge for trophies. When I played here with Nice in the summer, I remember an amazing atmosphere at Bloomfield stadium and I can’t wait to play in front of those fans again”.
Head of Maccabi’s Football Department, Barak Itzhaki, added: “We are delighted to have succeeded in landing Ilie at Maccabi Tel Aviv after beating strong competition and attractive offers from clubs in Europe. After Ilie and his agents learned about Maccabi Tel Aviv, the club’s high standards and our commitment to success, they reached the conclusion that Maccabi is the best home for a talented and promising player of his caliber. We have no doubt that Ilie will be a significant addition to Maccabi and wish the best of success”.
Nine goals and 12 assists in 60 appearances for Rapid Bucharest, led OGC Nice to buy Ilie in the summer of 2022. Ilie played for Nice in the two Conference League Playoff matches against Maccabi, and made 8 appearances for the French outfit this season.
A member of Romania’s Under 21 squad, Ilie also scored 2 goals in 10 international appearances for his country’s Youth (U19) team.
