Dinamo Zagreb faces potential setback as Dor Peretz's club prepares counter-offer

Croatian champions Dinamo Zagreb appeared on the verge of signing Israeli international Dor Peretz, with the 31-year-old midfielder having visited the capital to negotiate personal terms. Reports suggested he would be presented on July 1, following the official expiration of his contract with Maccabi Tel Aviv.

However, a surprising turn of events has emerged, with Israeli media indicating that Maccabi is not willing to let their player leave easily. The Tel Aviv club is reportedly preparing to offer Peretz an improved contract to persuade him to stay. While Maccabi cannot match Dinamo's reported financial offer of 750,000 euros annually, they are proposing a three-year deal with an option for an additional season.

For Peretz, accepting a new contract with Maccabi would likely mean ending his career at the club where he is already considered an absolute legend. He began his senior career in 2014 and has spent almost his entire time there, aside from two loan spells at Hapoel Haifa and Venezia. He has played 407 games for the Israeli club, scoring an impressive 80 goals, and served as team captain last season, deepening his emotional connection to the club.

Dinamo Zagreb had offered Peretz a two-season contract with an option for a third. Given his age, a new deal with Maccabi would likely signify a career swansong with his boyhood club, where he has achieved legendary status.