Hapoel Tel Aviv Secures Yam Madar's Return from Bayern Munich
Hapoel Tel Aviv has officially finalized the transfer of Yam Madar from Bayern Munich, marking a significant addition to their roster. The deal, which was completed on November 28, 2024, comes after a series of complex negotiations that began over a month ago. Madar, who had limited playing time in Germany, is set to sign a three-year contract worth over $3 million, which includes provisions for the taxes he owes from his time abroad. The Reds will also pay Bayern approximately half a million dollars for his release.
The negotiations were initially stalled due to tax implications, as Madar had not completed four full tax years outside of Israel, resulting in an additional financial burden. However, the situation changed with the appointment of Dimitrios Itoudis as head coach, which reignited Hapoel's interest in Madar. After impressive performances that led to his qualification for the 2025 European Championship, the deal was back on track. Ultimately, Hapoel's owner, Ofer Yanai, agreed to cover most of the tax payments, facilitating the transfer.
Competitive Landscape and Maccabi Tel Aviv's Interest
While Hapoel Tel Aviv was actively pursuing Madar, Maccabi Tel Aviv also expressed interest in the player. However, sources indicate that Maccabi's financial offer was significantly lower than what Hapoel could provide, leading Madar to commit to the Reds. The player’s decision to join Hapoel was influenced by his desire for more playing time and a better financial package, which he found with the Reds.
Madar's return is expected to have implications for the current roster, potentially pushing players like Joe Ragland or Noam Yaakov out of the club due to competition for playing time. Hapoel had previously resisted attempts to release Ragland, but the addition of Madar may change the dynamics within the team.
Future Prospects for Yam Madar and Hapoel Tel Aviv
Madar is anticipated to return to Israel shortly and is expected to join Hapoel's training sessions. While there is uncertainty about his immediate availability for the upcoming league game against Gilboa/Galil, he is likely to be ready for the Euroleague match against Badalona and the highly anticipated Tel Aviv derby. With his return, Hapoel Tel Aviv aims to strengthen their position in both domestic and European competitions, leveraging Madar's skills and experience to enhance their performance on the court.
