Hamburger SV Loanee Emir Sahiti Reportedly Refuses Return to Israel Amid Security Concerns

Kosovo international Emir Sahiti will seemingly not complete his loan spell with Maccabi Tel Aviv, as safety concerns regarding the ongoing conflict in the Middle East have prompted the forward to leave Israel with his family.

The left winger, who joined the Israeli Premier League side in January on loan from Bundesliga club Hamburger SV, has reportedly opted not to rejoin the squad following a period of extreme instability in the region. While the Israeli league has recently resumed play, local reports indicate that Sahiti is not expected to return to the club.

The disruption began on February 28, when the Israeli league was halted following the start of air strikes against Iran conducted by Israel and the United States. In response to the escalating volatility, Maccabi Tel Aviv allowed its foreign players to leave the country. Sahiti used this window to relocate his family to Croatia, a country where he spent a significant portion of his early professional career.

Mitten im Krieg im Nahen Osten nimmt die israelische Liga ihren Spielbetrieb wieder auf. Beim Spiel von Maccabi Tel Aviv fehlt HSV-Leihgabe Emir Sahiti. Er hat das Land verlassen – und wird wohl auch nicht mehr zurückkehren.

The league officially resumed action last weekend, though the environment remains heavily restricted, with all matches currently being played behind closed doors. Despite these efforts to normalize the sporting calendar, Sahiti remained absent. He was not among the players who rejoined the squad during a training camp in Cyprus, a move that signals a likely permanent end to his tenure in Tel Aviv for the remainder of the season.

Sahiti is not the only foreign player caught in this limbo. Reports indicate that Venezuelan player Kervin Andrade also failed to rejoin the Maccabi Tel Aviv squad during the Cyprus camp. For global athletes, the intersection of professional obligations and family safety often creates these complex dilemmas, especially when military escalations occur in the host country.

A Familiar Return to Croatia

Sahiti’s decision to seek refuge in Croatia is rooted in a deep professional history with the region. Before his move to Germany, the forward established himself as a reliable presence in the Croatian league. He spent several years with Hajduk Split, where he made nearly 100 league appearances and scored 13 goals, and also had a productive loan spell with HNK Šibenik during the 2020–21 season, netting seven goals in 33 matches.

For a player who has navigated various European leagues—from North Macedonia’s Rabotnički to the German second tier—Croatia represents a known sanctuary. Returning to a region where he has existing ties provides a level of stability that is currently unavailable in the Israeli Premier League.

Career Trajectory and the Road Back to Hamburg

The 27-year-old Kosovan has had a nomadic but steady climb through the ranks of European football. Born in Zemun, FR Yugoslavia, Sahiti’s journey began with youth stints at Ramiz Sadiku and Prishtina. He made his senior debut in 2015 with Trepça ’89 before moving abroad to Rabotnički to gain first-team experience.

His move to Maccabi Tel Aviv was intended to provide him with consistent minutes and a platform to maintain form away from Germany. However, the geopolitical climate has effectively truncated that opportunity. As it stands, Sahiti remains under contract with Hamburger SV through 2027.

The situation now leaves Hamburger SV with a tactical puzzle. With their left winger effectively unavailable for his loan assignment, the club must determine whether to recall him immediately or allow him to remain in Croatia until the security situation stabilizes or a recent arrangement is reached.

As of April 7, 2026, there has been no official statement from Hamburger SV regarding a formal recall, but reports suggest the loan will not be completed. The focus now shifts to how the Bundesliga side will integrate Sahiti back into their plans or if his time in Croatia will lead to a different professional arrangement.

The next confirmed checkpoint will be the official squad registration updates from Maccabi Tel Aviv and any formal communication from the Hamburger SV front office regarding Sahiti’s contractual status.

Do you think clubs should have mandatory insurance or contingency plans for players loaned to volatile regions? Share your thoughts in the comments.