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 also addresses the potential departure of Orel Dgani to MS Ashdod.
Meanwhile, Hamido Keita has become the highest-earning player since the club's fan ownership transfer, 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 received for Songo has been reinvested in acquiring Keita and Diego Arroyo.
The club's objective is to further strengthen the squad with two more players, prioritizing a foreign striker. 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 Peretz does not select players based on their agent. The official cited the signings of Diego Arroyo through agent Rafi Epstein and Alex Musonda, who is not represented by Dahan, as evidence.
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