Israeli forward Ben Haim signs record deal with Sparta Prague

The former Maccabi Tel Aviv striker Ben Haim signed a 2.9 million euro deal with Sparta Prague – the costliest transfer in the history of the Czech league.

The Israeli forward Tal Ben Haim from Maccabi Tel Aviv signed a 2.9 million euro contract for four seasons with the soccer club Sparta Prague, the Czech club announced. It is reportedly the costliest transfer in the history of the Czech soccer league. Ben Haim is expected to make around one million euros per season, the highest paid player in the Czech league.

This is one of the most lucrative deals in Israeli soccer history, which leaves Maccabi Tel Aviv with the challenge of finding a replacement for one of its best players.

The 27-year old Ben Haim has played more than 300 games in the Israeli championship with Maccabi Tel Aviv, Maccabi Petach Tikva and Hapoel Tel Aviv. Ben Haim scored 19 goals for Maccabi Tel Aviv last season and 47 goals over the past four years. He has also scored five international goals for the Israeli national soccer team, which he has represented in 23 international games.

Sparta Prague has enjoyed much success and won 12 titles in the Czech league, the last one in 2014. The former Inter Milan coach Andrea Stramaccioni also recently signed a contract with the Prague-based club.

By: Daniel Krygier, World Israel News