Signing news: Sainsbury joins fellow Australian at Maccabi Haifa

Caltex Socceroos defender Trent Sainsbury has linked up with fellow Aussie Nikita Rukavytsya after joining Israel Premier League side Maccabi Haifa.

The 27-year-old’s move to the club was confirmed on Thursday with the centre back signing on for two years.

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Despite having two years to run on his deal with PSV, Sainsbury opted for a move after only managing five appearances for the Eredivisie club.

And he’ll have a familiar face in the Maccabi squad with 18-cap Caltex Socceroos attacker Rukavytsya in his fourth season at the club.

Rukavytsya, 32, is a fan favourite at Maccabi having scored 31 goals in 102 appearances.

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Maccabi, who have won 12 league titles in their history, finished second last season and are looking to end a nine-year championship drought in Israel.