Tyrese Asante: Dutch-Ghanaian Maccabi Tel Aviv defender linked with Lecce move in Serie A switch

Tyrese Asante, the Dutch-Ghanaian centre-back currently at Maccabi Tel Aviv, is being linked with a move to Serie A side Lecce as the Italian club assess defensive options for the new season.

The 24-year-old, who is under contract with the Israeli champions until 30 June 2027, has emerged on Lecce’s radar after establishing himself at Maccabi following his arrival from ADO Den Haag. Asante’s market value is currently listed at €2.7m, a figure likely to frame any negotiations between the clubs.

Asante joined Maccabi Tel Aviv in July 2024 for a reported €600,000 fee and has since been part of a successful period for the Israeli side, collecting a league title in 2024–25. His performances in Israel’s top flight and in European qualifiers have provided Lecce with a recent body of work to track, including an appearance in this season’s Europa League qualifying campaign.

Born in Den Haag and comfortable with both feet, Asante has developed primarily as a central defender and wears the number 6 shirt at Maccabi. His rise from Dutch domestic football to a key role in a title-winning squad has coincided with his peak playing years.

With his deal in Tel Aviv running for another year after this season, Maccabi are under no immediate pressure to sell, and any move to Italy would require agreement on a fee rather than a pre-contract arrangement. For now, Asante remains tied to Maccabi Tel Aviv through 2027 as Lecce weigh up whether to turn their interest into a formal offer.