Exclusive: Leeds United Eye Swoop For Second Israeli International

Leeds United are eyeing a move for Israeli international Mahmoud Jaber, sources close to Euro Football News have revealed.

News has broken this morning that they’re after Maccabi Haifa Dor Turgeman, with a fee of around £4 million likely to be needed to tempt him from Israel. However, they’re considering prepping a double bid, with Jaber also falling onto the club’s radar.

It is understood that while a move for Turgeman is on the cards, as yet, the Whites have not approached the Israeli side for Jaber, but that they could consider a dual swoop, helping both players to settle easier in Leeds, in a similar fashion to the signings of Lucas Radebe and Philomen Masinga in the nineties.

Jaber is a central midfielder, one who usually operates a holding role. Combative and strong, he’s appeared six times this season for his country, most recently against Belgium, playing the full 90 minutes of their impressive 1-0 win.

Who Is Mahmoud Jaber?

Jaber, an Arab-Muslim footballer of Palestinian descent from Tayibe, Israel, and comes from a lineage of skilled footballers. His grandfather Abdullah and father Nabil made their mark locally. His older brother, Abdallah Jaber, is a professional player who captained the Palestine national team.

Jaber began his football journey at Hapoel Kfar Saba’s academy before joining Maccabi Haifa at age 12. He made his senior debut on loan with Hapoel Nof HaGalil in 2019, where he contributed to their Toto Cup Leumit victory and Liga Leumit title, earning promotion to the Israeli Premier League. Returning to Maccabi Haifa in 2021, Jaber was instrumental in securing the Israeli Premier League, Toto Cup Al, and Israel Super Cup titles.

On the international stage, Jaber debuted for Israel in June 2022 during a UEFA Nations League match. He has also made an impact in the UEFA Champions League, scoring a crucial goal against Sheriff Tiraspol.

Where Would He Fit At Leeds?

Jaber’s playing style emphasises ball retention and distribution, aligning well with Leeds United manager Daniel Farke’s preference for a 4-2-3-1 formation that focuses on possession and positional play.  In Farke’s system, central midfielders are crucial for initiating build-up play and maintaining control. Jaber’s ability to execute precise long passes and his defensive contributions would support Leeds’ strategy of building from the back and sustaining pressure. His experience in European competitions, including the UEFA Champions League, demonstrates his capability to perform at high levels, which would be beneficial in the Championship’s demanding environment.

However, adapting to the physicality and pace of English football could be challenging. Success would depend on his ability to integrate into Leeds’ tactical framework and handle the league’s intensity. If he adjusts effectively, Jaber could enhance Leeds United’s midfield depth and contribute to their possession-oriented approach.