Hapoel Tel Aviv Confirms Lecce's €2.5 Million Bid for Stav Toriel Ahead of Atalanta Clash

Ahead of Hapoel Tel Aviv's crucial Conference League playoff match against Atalanta on Thursday at 21:00 in Miskolc, the club confirmed receiving an official €2 million offer plus €500,000 in bonuses from Italian Serie A side Lecce for midfielder Stav Toriel. Coach Eliniv Bereda described the interest from a Serie A rival as "very flattering" but noted that Toriel, who has three years left on his contract without a release clause, requested to leave and was denied.

Toriel and Emmanuel Boateng are expected to start against Atalanta but will undergo fitness tests before the game. Should they be unfit, Douglas Avasu and Daniel Dapa are likely to replace them. Meanwhile, Hapoel Tel Aviv continues searching for a replacement for Shanda Silva, as first reported by ynet.

The match will feature strong fan support, with approximately 6,000 Hapoel Tel Aviv supporters traveling to the game alongside 4,000 local fans. Bereda acknowledged the challenge ahead, emphasizing the need for a win to advance after a 0-0 draw in Bergamo. He praised Atalanta as a high-level opponent and tournament favorite but expressed his team's determination to perform perfectly to qualify for the group stage.

Captain Omri Altman highlighted the pride in the fans' dedication, noting the electrifying atmosphere they create and the importance of raising their level to secure victory. Both players and coach stressed the difficulty of the task but remain focused on achieving success in the competition.