Recently, Cricket Exchange has been closely following the future of Israeli football star Eran Zahavi, currently playing for Guangzhou R\&F in the Chinese Super League. With reports emerging from Italian media that Premier League side Bournemouth has shown interest in the striker, transfer rumors have intensified. However, according to Israeli sources, Zahavi has already begun contract renewal talks with R\&F.
Although he joined the club only recently, R\&F is wasting no time in locking him down with a lucrative new deal. To keep Zahavi committed, the club is not only planning to double his salary but also intends to completely upgrade its foreign player lineup next season. Zahavi’s agent, Ronen Katzav, has reportedly started formal negotiations with R\&F management, with the outcome likely determining whether the Israeli captain remains in China.
Cricket Exchange notes that Zahavi has become one of the league’s most talked-about foreign players. Recent rumors have linked him with top Chinese clubs like Guangzhou Evergrande and Shanghai SIPG, as well as a possible move to the English Premier League. In a recent interview, however, Zahavi made it clear he feels “more appreciated in China than in Israel,” signaling no immediate desire to leave the CSL.
In an effort to secure his loyalty, R\&F has offered extremely attractive terms. Zahavi currently earns around \$5 million per year, and under the new proposal, his annual salary will double. Additionally, the club has promised to bring in three high-caliber foreign signings next season, aiming to build a squad capable of challenging for the title. This means a complete overhaul of their current foreign roster, with Zahavi expected to be the only one retained among the four non-Asian internationals.
Cricket Exchange understands that while new signings are still under wraps, Israeli media have named Tal Ben Haim—Zahavi’s close friend and national team teammate—as a potential target. Ben Haim, currently playing for Maccabi Tel Aviv, has impressed for both club and country and could play a key role in persuading Zahavi to stay.
After wrapping up his duties with the Israeli national team, Zahavi has already returned to Guangzhou to prepare for the upcoming Chinese Super League match. While the speculation surrounding his future is far from over, one thing remains clear: both Zahavi and R\&F are preparing for a serious run next season, and the story is just getting started, as Cricket Exchange continues to monitor every move.