Olivier Verdon joins Maccabi Netanya from Ludogorets on free transfer

Benin and France defender Olivier Verdon has joined Israeli club Maccabi Netanya from Bulgarian champions Ludogorets on a free transfer.

The 30-year-old centre-back completed the move on 16 September and has signed a contract with Netanya running until 30 June 2028. He joins the club in Israel’s Ligat ha’Al after more than five years with Ludogorets.

Verdon made two appearances for Ludogorets in the Bulgarian league this season, playing 92 minutes in total. He was not involved in the club’s two Conference League qualifying fixtures before completing his move to Netanya.

His departure brings an end to a successful spell in Bulgaria, during which he won five Bulgarian league titles with Ludogorets. He also collected two Bulgarian Cups and five Bulgarian Super Cups during his time at the club.

Verdon initially joined Ludogorets from Spanish side Alaves in July 2021 for a reported €1m fee. Before that, he had spent the 2020-21 campaign with the Bulgarian club on loan from Alaves, having moved to Spain from Belgian side KAS Eupen on a temporary deal in September 2019.

The defender began his senior career in France, progressing through the Bordeaux system before joining Sochaux in 2018. He moved to Alaves a year later on a free transfer after one season with Sochaux.

Born in Clamart, France, Verdon stands 1.90m tall and is registered with both Benin and France as his nationalities. He becomes a new defensive option for Maccabi Netanya following his free-transfer move from Ludogorets.

Verdon’s arrival at Netanya was completed on 16 September 2026, with his contract secured through June 2028.