Maccabi Haifa right-back Daniel Sundgren has expressed his desire to be released from the Israeli soccer vice champion due to the security situation in the country.
The 33-year-old Swede's family does not wish to return to Israel because of the ongoing war in Gaza and concerns about a possible conflagration with Hezbollah in northern Israel.
Sundgren joined Maccabi Haifa in 2022 and is considered one of the top players on the roster. In his debut season, he played a significant role in the team’s advancement to the Champions League group stage, thanks to an equalizer against Red Star Belgrade.
Maccabi Haifa officials acknowledge that they cannot stand in his way, especially given that they currently have three other right-backs on the roster besides Sundgren: Ilay Feingold, Roey Elimelech and Maor Kandil.
Meanwhile, Maccabi Haifa secured its first win in its pre-season matches, defeating Inter Escaldes of Andorra 3-1 at a training camp in Girona. Dean David scored first (45'), followed by Frantzdy Pierrot (45', penalty) and Erik Shuranov (73', penalty).