Bachar Set To Sign
By Kevin Markey Saturday 27th January 2007
Leeds were completing the signing of Israeli right-back Ilan Bachar last night.
The Mirror report that Bachar, 31, was due to sign from Hakoah Ramat-Gan.
Bachar began his career as a forward for Hapoel Ramat-Gan, but coach Yehoshua Faygenbaum made him a defender after he transferred to Maccabi Herzelyia.
Betar Jerusalem then discovered the young talent and Bachar became part of the starting lineup. Bachar played well for Jerusalem in the 1998-99 season as they reached the cup final.
Bachar moved to Hapoel Tel Aviv in the 1999-2000 season, in a move that changed his playing style. In the attacking style touted by Betar, Ilan held the defensive line tightly, however, in the hardworking enviroment of Hapoel Tel Aviv, where there where no big attacking stars, Bachar was allowed the freedom to express his attacking flair. Tel Aviv won the double that year and Bachar enjoyed his best year yet.
In 2001-02, Tel Aviv reached the UEFA Cup quarter-finals, beating teams like Chelsea and Parma along the way. After his stellar performance Bachar was signed by the Spanish team, Racing Santandar.
During the 2002-03 season, however, Bachar mostly sat on the bench. He has also played for the Israeli national team, but had limited opportunities.