Hapoel Petah Tikva Signs Defender Ben Shabbat, Eyes Foreign Striker
Hapoel Petah Tikva is close to finalizing the signing of defender Itay Ben Shabbat from Maccabi Netanya, a move first reported yesterday. Coach Omer Peretz seeks to add experience to his defense, particularly a left-footed center-back, a role Ben Shabbat fits. This acquisition also addresses the potential departure of current defender Oral Dgani to MS Ashdod.
In a significant financial development for the fan-owned club, Hamido Keita has signed for approximately $180,000 without bonuses, replacing the sold Chipoka Songo. A substantial portion of the funds received for Songo has been reinvested in acquiring Keita and Diego Arroyo.
The club aims to strengthen further by signing two more players, with a foreign striker being a top priority. Ludogorets' 21-year-old forward Yves Eric Bila is reportedly at the top of their list.
Addressing fan concerns about potential conflicts of interest regarding player representation, a club official clarified that coach Omer Peretz does not select players based on his agent, Dudu Dahan. The official pointed to Arroyo's signing through agent Rafi Epstein and Alex Musonda's unrelated status to Dahan as evidence.
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