Maccabi Netanya Nears Deal for Colombian Midfielder Johan Torres

Maccabi Netanya has confirmed they are on the verge of signing Colombian defensive midfielder Johan Torres, a player previously sought by Beitar Jerusalem. The club has submitted a bid of 400,000 euros for the player, with agent Avi Nimni facilitating the deal. This move comes amid fan criticism regarding the team's lack of new signings and addresses the need for a high-level defensive midfielder.

Previously, Netanya has struggled to secure transfer targets, partly due to protracted negotiations managed by Max DeGilio, who has gained more trust from owner Ross Katin since Gil Lev was sidelined. Despite a recent decisive 4-1 victory over Beitar Jerusalem, coach Roni Levy remains focused on strengthening the squad further.

Lev is still pushing for the acquisition of a foreign winger and a foreign center-back before the transfer window closes in 11 days. He is also considering his starting lineup for the upcoming match against Hapoel Haifa, with a potential return to the lineup for Kareem Jaber, which could see Amit Cohen shift to left-back. Bassam Zaroura has increased his training intensity and might be included in the squad.