Hapoel Petah Tikva Eyes Ben Shabbat Signing Amid Transfer Activity
Hapoel Petah Tikva is reportedly close to signing defender Itay Ben Shabbat from Maccabi Netanya, aiming for an announcement as early as Tuesday. Coach Omer Peretz seeks to add experience to the defense, particularly a left-footed center-back, a role Ben Shabbat fits. This move is also influenced by Oral Dgani's desire to transfer to MS Ashdod.
Meanwhile, Hamido Keita has become the highest-earning player since the club's fan ownership, with a salary of approximately $180,000 before bonuses. Keita was signed to replace Chipioka Songo, who was sold. A significant portion of the funds from Songo's sale has been reinvested in acquiring Keita and Diego Arroyo.
The club intends to strengthen further by signing two more players, with a foreign striker being a priority. Ludogorets' 21-year-old forward, Yves Eric Bila, is reportedly at the top of their list.
Addressing fan concerns about coach Omer Peretz signing players represented by his own agent, David Dahan, a club official clarified that player acquisitions are not based on Peretz's agent. The official cited the signings of Diego Arroyo through agent Rafi Epstein and Alex Musonda, who has no connection to Dahan, as evidence.
The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.
Not the same event — other stories that share this one’s people, places, or theme: background, reactions, and follow-ups.