Israeli international Dia Saba is on the verge of joining Turkish club Amedspor, but his impending arrival has sparked controversy and public backlash from certain vocal groups in Turkey.
Saba, the 32-year-old midfielder with 13 caps for Israel’s senior national team, is expected to land in Diyarbakir on Monday morning ahead of signing with the club. He has drawn criticism despite being a Muslim, largely due to his past social media activity during the Israel-Gaza conflict.
One of the more vocal critics, influencer Mehmet Toprak – who has 48,000 followers – accused Saba of not being a “true Muslim.” Toprak referenced a post shared by Saba’s wife mourning the deaths of children in Gaza, which Saba reportedly asked her to remove, while apologizing to Jewish followers.
“The people of Diyarbakir won’t let him come here. Shame on you, Amedspor!” Toprak wrote online.
Turkish journalist Ramazan Casuk echoed the sentiment.
“The people of Diyarbakir are passionate about the Palestinian cause and Gaza’s struggle. How can Amedspor allow this to happen?”
Despite the criticism, there has also been vocal support for Saba. The Amedspor fan organization, Tima Gel Amedspor, released a statement defending the signing, saying: “We do not accept the criticism of Saba. He is a Muslim and under our protection.”
The club itself has announced his signing twice, receiving a mix of support and backlash.
Saba, for his part, posted a photo from his flight to Turkey on Instagram on Monday morning, signaling that the move is progressing despite the controversy.
Meanwhile, his departure from Maccabi Haifa leaves a significant gap ahead of the team’s upcoming UEFA Conference League qualifier against Raków Częstochowa. Saba was a decisive force in the previous round win over Torpedo Zhodino, and without him, head coach Diego Flores is expected to experiment with the starting lineup on Tuesday.
Haifa is doing everything possible to get winger Dolev Haziza match-ready after he experienced groin discomfort. On defense, Abdoulaye Seck and Lyes Hsissane are likely to start at center-back, with Pierre Cornud and Yillah Bataille, who has impressed defensively, operating as full-backs. Midfielders Goni Naor and Eitan Azulay are also expected to retain their places in the starting XI.
Will Eyad Khalayli or Xander Severina take the midfield slot
The main question mark lies in the midfield slot, with a choice between Eyad Khalayli and Xander Severina. The latter has disappointed in recent matches and could lose his foreign-player roster spot if Haifa opts to sign a new defensive midfielder.
One such candidate is Emeka Eneli, captain of MLS side Real Salt Lake. The 25-year-old American midfielder, who has two senior caps for the US national team, began his career with Columbus Crew’s youth system before playing for Lionsbridge and Flint City Bucks. His transfer fee is reportedly around $3 million.