Kervin Andrade at Sport: what went wrong in Israel | OneFootball

Kervin Andrade is Sport’s new signing. At 21, the Venezuelan forward arrives at the club from Pernambuco with the mission of earning his place in the final stretch of the season and regaining in Brazil the leading role he was unable to secure during his spell at Maccabi Tel Aviv.

The player did not hide that his time in Israel fell short of expectations. According to Kervin Andrade, the situation in the country had a direct impact on his performances, especially because of the tension caused by the conflict in the region.

“My time in Israel was not that good because, as everyone knows, it is a country at war. I am a very emotional player, and if my head is not in the right place, I do not think I can perform well. That was what most affected my time there,” he explained.

In the 2025/2026 season, Kervin Andrade played 38 matches for Maccabi Tel Aviv, scoring three goals and providing two assists. The return to Brazilian football comes as an opportunity for the Venezuelan to get back on the path he had built before his move to Israel.

Return to Brazil happened quickly

The possibility of playing for Sport was received positively by the forward. Kervin Andrade said he did not need to think twice when he received the call from the club from Pernambuco and highlighted his desire to return to the country.

“As soon as I received Sport’s call, I was extremely happy because I wanted to return to Brazil. And of course, to a great club like this, with these wonderful fans. I did not hesitate for a single moment to come here and do my best,” he said.

Before moving to Israel, the Venezuelan had stood out at Fortaleza, where he played between 2024 and 2025. Developed in his country’s football system, he has also earned call-ups to Venezuela’s youth teams and senior national team.

Kervin Andrade earns space at Sport

His first start came last Saturday, in Sport’s 2-1 win over Juventude at Ilha do Retiro. Kervin Andrade only played the first half, but he believes he arrived at his new club in good physical condition.

“I am in good physical shape. It is true that I was not getting many minutes, but I had been preparing very well to return to Brazil. When I received Sport’s call, I started taking better care of myself and training much harder to come here,” he explained.

The forward is under contract with Sport until June 30, 2027. The deal also includes a purchase option for 60% of his economic rights at the end of the period, set at €2 million (R$12 million at the current exchange rate).

Forward makes himself available to the coach

Kervin Andrade prefers to play out wide, mainly cutting inside from the wing to find space in central areas. That trait could expand Sport’s attacking options in the remainder of Brazil’s Série B season.

“I feel comfortable playing on the wing, drifting a little inside. But wherever the coach needs me—midfield, on the wing, or deeper—I will be available,” concluded the Venezuela international forward.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.