Maccabi Tel Aviv is delighted to announce the signing of Ion Nicolaescu on a 3-year deal.
The 26-year-old Moldovan international striker becomes Maccabi’s fifth addition ahead of the 2025/26 season, joining from Dutch side SC Heerenveen, on a 3-year-deal with an option to extend.
Nicolaescu, (184cm) who scored 17 goals in 49 matches during 2 seasons at Heerenveen, successfully completed his medical and joined the players and staff in Serbia.
Nicolaescu told the Club’s official website: “I am truly honored to join the Israeli champions and such a prestigious club with an incredible fan base – something I have experienced firsthand in Israel. I can’t wait to wear the Maccabi shirt, begin working hard, and give my utmost. I look forward to seeing you all at Bloomfield Stadium. Yalla Maccabi !”
Nicolaescu who has 17 goals in 53 international appearances for the Moldova national side, began his playing career at the Youth Academy of Zimbru Chisinau. He made his senior debut at the age of 18 before being transferred in 2018 to Shaktyor Soligorsk of Belarus. Nine goals in 18 appearances during a loan spell at FK Vitebsk led to a move to Slovakian side DAC Dunasjska Streda in 2020. During a loan spell at Maccabi Petah Tikva, Nicolaescu scored 5 goals in 18 appearances in all competitions. A move to Beitar Jerusalem for the 2022/23 season resulted with 19 in 33 appearances in all competitions that saw him help Beitar win the State Cup.
