Nearly two years after the outbreak of the October 7 war, its effects on the international transfer market for Israeli football players have become increasingly evident.
The conflict has created new challenges and altered traditional pathways for player movement between leagues.
A marquee signing that determined a historical summer for Israeli football, amid war. Oscar Gloukh, while signing for Ajax Amsterdam (Photo courtesy: Ajax Amsterdam official website)
Market Dynamics and Transfer Challenges
Several high-profile cases have highlighted the evolving landscape. Sean Weissman's proposed transfer to Fortuna Düsseldorf collapsed following controversy over the striker's political statements. Oscar Gloukh's move to elite European clubs faced complications, ultimately resulting in a lower-than-anticipated transfer fee when he joined Ajax. Simultaneously, Major League Soccer (MLS) has emerged as an increasingly attractive destination for Israeli players.
Industry sources report growing difficulties in securing European transfers for Israeli players. Club executives have privately acknowledged concerns about potential complications arising from signing Israeli athletes in the current political climate.
The cited concerns include:
Potential conflicts with Muslim or Arab teammates
Pressure from fan bases, particularly those supporting the "Show Israel the Red Card" campaign
Sponsor concerns about associations with Israeli athletes
Broader perceptions in Western European markets regarding political implications
Transfer Market Performance: A Complex Picture
Despite these challenges, transfer data reveals a nuanced situation. The 2025 summer transfer window recorded the highest total fees ever paid for Israeli players abroad, reaching €27 million. This figure was significantly influenced by Dor Turgeman's move from Maccabi Tel Aviv to New England Revolution and Gloukh's €14.75 million transfer from Red Bull Salzburg to Ajax.
Historical Comparison
Summer 2025: €27 million (record high)
2024/25 season total: €20.75 million
Summer 2023: €17.6 million (post-youth team successes)
Summer 2022: €8.6 million
However, the number of completed transfers has declined. The 2025 window saw 17 Israeli transfers abroad, compared to 26 in the summer before the conflict began, though this figure matches the 16 transfers completed in 2024.
Geographic Shift in Destinations
European transfers have shown a notable decline since 2023, dropping from 50% of all Israeli player moves to approximately 25%. This shift has coincided with increased activity in other markets, particularly North America.
MLS has become the primary foreign destination for Israeli players outside their domestic league, with five Israelis currently playing in the competition. The Dutch Eredivisie follows with three players: Gloukh, Stav Lemkin, and Tai Abed.
MLS Growth Pattern
2023/24: 3 Israeli signings
2024/25: 6 Israeli signings
2025: 1 major signing (Turgeman)
Industry Perspectives
Football agents working with Israeli players describe the current environment as challenging, with several deals reportedly falling through due to players' nationality. Some clubs have allegedly acknowledged these concerns directly to representatives.
One agent noted that while top-tier talent continues to find opportunities, the overall market has become more restrictive for Israeli players, particularly in European markets.
Economic Analysis
When examining the broader financial picture, the data suggests mixed outcomes. Excluding the major Gloukh and Turgeman transfers, approximately €6.3 million was spent on Israeli players in summer 2025—representing a significant decrease compared to recent years but similar to pre-war levels in 2022.
Conclusion
The transfer market for Israeli players reflects the broader geopolitical tensions affecting international football. While high-profile players continue to secure significant moves, the overall landscape has shifted toward non-European markets, particularly MLS.
The situation demonstrates how political conflicts can influence sports markets, creating both obstacles and alternative opportunities. For elite players, talent and performance continue to drive market demand, though the traditional pathways through European football have become more complex.
The long-term implications for Israeli football development and international competitiveness remain to be seen as the industry adapts to these changing dynamics.
Ivory Coast edged Nigeria 3-2 in the final of a solidarity tournament among eight African teams, organised by Sudanese refugees in Tel Aviv.