He Could Leave “Maracana” After One Half-Season: Felicio Milson’s Possible Return to Maccabi
Felicio Milson, the Red Star winger who arrived at “Maracana” in the summer transfer window from Maccabi Tel Aviv for a reported five million euros, might be on the move again as early as the January transfer window. His brief stint at the Serbian club has not gone as expected, with the player failing to fully meet the high hopes set for him upon his arrival. As a result, Milson could potentially return to his former club, Maccabi Tel Aviv, just half a season after making the switch to Belgrade.
Milson’s transfer to Red Star was seen as a major coup for the Serbian giants. The club paid a substantial amount, signaling their intention to strengthen the squad significantly for both domestic and European competitions. However, the Brazilian winger’s time at Red Star has been marked by inconsistency and a struggle to secure a regular starting position under coach Vladan Milojević. Despite his evident potential, Milson has yet to deliver the performances expected from a player brought in with such a price tag.
From the moment he arrived at “Maracana,” Milson’s playing time has been limited. He struggled to break into the starting lineup and failed to convince Milojević of his ability to make an immediate impact. As the season progressed, his role became even more diminished. The rise of Andrija Maksimović, whose impressive performances on the wing earned him a starting spot, further reduced Milson’s chances. Additionally, Mirko Ivanić’s recovery from injury and the resurgence of Nemanja Radonjić, who had previously struggled with form, left Milson with even fewer opportunities.
These developments have left Milson in a difficult position. Despite being brought in as a key signing, he has failed to establish himself as an essential part of the team, and his future at Red Star now appears uncertain. However, it seems that his former club, Maccabi Tel Aviv, might offer him an escape route from his turbulent spell in Belgrade. According to reports from Israeli sports media outlet Sport 5, Maccabi’s coach, Žarko Lazetić, is eager to bring Milson back to Israel. Lazetić is reportedly looking to strengthen the competition in the wide attacking positions at Maccabi, and Milson is high on his list of targets.
The idea of Milson returning to Maccabi has reportedly been met with interest from the Israeli club’s hierarchy. One of the factors that pleases Maccabi’s management is the fact that Milson has not been able to impose himself on Red Star this season. The limited playing time and the competition for places in the team are seen as clear indicators that the winger might be surplus to requirements in Belgrade. This opens the door for Maccabi to attempt to bring him back, potentially as early as the winter transfer window.
However, despite the interest from Maccabi, the deal is far from straightforward. According to the same reports, Maccabi is fully aware that the transfer is not yet a done deal. The biggest obstacle is the significant transfer fee that Red Star paid for Milson just a few months ago. It is clear that the Serbian club is unlikely to sell the player at a loss, especially given the expectations they had for him when he joined. The five million euros paid for Milson is not a small amount, and Red Star’s management is unlikely to part ways with the player unless a suitable offer is made—one that compensates them for their investment.
At the moment, there has been no formal contact between Maccabi and Red Star regarding the potential transfer. Reports suggest that Maccabi’s interest in Milson is currently based on the club’s internal discussions, and the sports sector at Maccabi is actively looking to reinforce their squad, particularly in the wing positions. However, for any deal to be realized, Maccabi will need to negotiate with Red Star and find a solution that satisfies both parties.
From Milson’s perspective, a return to Maccabi might be an appealing option. Given his struggles in Belgrade, he could find a fresh start back in Israel, where he was a key player before making the move to Red Star. At Maccabi, Milson had a prominent role, and the prospect of returning to a familiar environment might provide him with the opportunity to rediscover his best form. For a player whose confidence has likely taken a hit due to his limited playing time at Red Star, the chance to go back to a club where he was a regular starter could be the right move for his career.
On the other hand, Red Star’s management will have to carefully consider whether letting Milson go so soon is in the best interests of the club. While his current form has not justified the hefty transfer fee, the club may still believe in his potential. With a full preseason and more time to adapt to the team’s style of play, Milson could yet prove to be a valuable asset for Red Star in the second half of the season. Additionally, the club may want to give him more time to find his rhythm before making a final decision on his future.
For now, the situation remains uncertain. Maccabi’s interest in Milson is clear, but a deal has not yet materialized. Red Star, for their part, will likely want to avoid a loss on the transfer fee they paid just months ago, which could complicate any potential move. Milson’s future will largely depend on the negotiations between the two clubs, as well as his own performances in the coming weeks. If he manages to force his way into the starting lineup at Red Star and impresses in the second half of the season, it could alter the course of his career in Belgrade.
The January transfer window is fast approaching, and with it, the possibility of Milson’s departure from Red Star. Whether he stays or goes, it seems clear that the Brazilian winger’s time at “Maracana” has not been as successful as initially hoped. If he does return to Maccabi, it would mark a quick return to his former club, but it would also be a reminder that in football, things can change quickly, and players who are once seen as stars can quickly fall out of favor.
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