- January 19, 2026
- 9:20 pm
- Israel
In the Ukrainian football agenda, specifics have appeared: Metalist 1925 is negotiating with Maccabi Haifa about the transfer of Ukrainian goalkeeper Georgiy Ermakov, who is currently playing in the Israeli championship, on January 18, 2026 reports UA-Football.
The plot is simple in form but tense in essence: the UPL club wants to bring the goalkeeper “from abroad,” and the Haifa club understands that it is about a key player — and therefore the bargaining turns not into “yes/no,” but into a game of endurance.
Prices diverged: 3 million versus 2
In the summer, the Israeli side, according to sources, started the conversation from the mark of 5 million euros. Now the figures look more realistic: Maccabi is allegedly ready to discuss the sale for about 3 million, while Metalist 1925 is currently offering around 2 million euros and does not want to go all-in from the first step.
In such negotiations, not only the amount often decides, but also the structure: payment terms, bonuses, resale percentage, conditions for European competitions. That is why “seemingly close,” but in fact — it can drag on for weeks.
Why Metalist 1925 needs this and why Ermakov is “ready to return”
Ermakov is 23 years old, and at this point in his career, the logic is clear: regular play + strong season = chance to raise status and get closer to the Ukrainian national team. The publications directly mention the goalkeeper’s motive: he is allegedly not against returning to the UPL because he wants to be closer to the national team.
For the Kharkiv club, this transfer is needed as a quick upgrade of a position that decides points. Especially in a season where every “0:0” or “1:0” is not philosophy, but a table.
Why Maccabi Haifa is not in a hurry
The restraining factor is named directly: Maccabi does not have an obvious equivalent replacement for Ermakov “on the shelf.” For the Haifa club, this is important not only in the league but also against the backdrop of tasks in European competitions and the race for stability.
Therefore, the position of the Israelis can be tough even at a reduced price: if they do not find a replacement — the deal may hang, even if the money suits.
Transfer history: from Alexandria — to Haifa for 100 thousand
A separate detail that fans and managers love: Alexandria sold Ermakov in 2024 to Maccabi Haifa for about 100 thousand euros. The 2024/25 season he spent in Ukraine on loan: 30 matches in the UPL and 14 “clean sheets” — figures that made him noticeable on the market.
Now he is already the main one in Haifa. In the current Israeli championship, he is credited with 17 matches, 28 goals conceded, and 8 “clean sheets” — statistics that look ambiguous on paper but often depend on defense and quality of moments.
Contract until 2027 and “market” price tag
Ermakov’s contract with Maccabi is valid until the summer of 2027. This is an important lever: the Israeli club does not have the pressure to “sell now, otherwise for free.” At the same time, the market valuation in profile databases appears at the level of 2.5 million euros — that is, the negotiation range (2–3 million) fits into market logic, without fantasy.
And here is the most interesting moment: if Metalist 1925 rises closer to 3 million — Maccabi will demand guarantees and time for a replacement. If they remain at 2 million — the Ukrainian club will have to strengthen arguments with bonuses or conditions.
Further, everything will be decided by the pace of the coming days: football deals are made quietly — with documents, payment dates, and one question “who will be in goal in the next round.” The way this story connects Haifa, Kharkiv, and the Ukrainian diaspora in Israel is closely watched by NANews — News of Israel | Nikk.Agency.