Israel-Ethiopia centre-back Eli Dasa of NEC Nijmegen is being linked with a move to Maccabi Tel Aviv, with the 33-year-old defender potentially set to leave the Eredivisie side amid uncertainty over his contract status.
Reports on 9 June 2026 suggest the Israeli giants are monitoring Dasa’s situation in the Netherlands, with the probability of a deal currently listed as unclear (“?”). With no contract expiry date publicly confirmed at NEC, the prospect of the right-footed defender becoming a free agent in the near future is adding intrigue to the speculation.
Dasa, born in Netanya on 3 December 1992 and standing at 1.77m, is valued at €700,000 according to Transfermarkt – a figure that would make him an affordable addition for Maccabi Tel Aviv if a transfer fee is required, or a shrewd piece of business were he to be available on a free.
The NEC No 14 has been operating as a centre-back, offering experience and versatility across the back line. Detailed recent match data for Dasa’s last outing – including opponent, date, scoreline and his individual performance – has not been published in the latest update, but his profile as an established defender in a top European league continues to underpin interest from his homeland.
Dasa, who holds both Israeli and Ethiopian nationality, has built a career that has taken him into the Dutch Eredivisie with NEC Nijmegen, where he is part of a squad competing in one of Europe’s more attack-minded leagues. His dual-national background and experience abroad add further appeal for Maccabi Tel Aviv as they look to balance domestic and European ambitions.
Should the move materialise, a return to Israeli football at this stage of his career could offer Dasa a platform to enhance his reputation further and shape the final chapter of his playing days in familiar surroundings.
