Kiryat Gat Puts in Bid for Beitar Jerusalem Winger Ilay Hajjaj

Newly promoted Liga Leumit side Ironi Kiryat Gat has submitted an offer for Beitar Jerusalem winger Ilay Hajjaj, according to a first report on Thursday. Hajjaj, who was relegated this season with M.S. Ashdod, is a native of Kiryat Gat, and the club is keen to bring him home.

Kiryat Gat, which moved up from Liga Alef South last season, announced on Wednesday that it had signed veteran winger Guy Dahan, who arrives from Romania’s top division. Even so, that may not end up being the club’s biggest signing of the summer.

Coach Roman Zulu has a personal connection to Hajjaj and is pushing hard for a reunion. Zulu previously coached him at Hapoel Afula, when Hajjaj was on loan from Maccabi Haifa, and wants to build a squad capable of competing near the top of the league.

The 24-year-old winger scored one goal this season, started three matches and appeared in 13 games in all competitions. Last season at Maccabi Haifa, he started four matches in all competitions. As part of the deal that sent Silva Kani to Haifa, the Greens transferred Hajjaj to Beitar Jerusalem for 1 million euros. Overall, Hajjaj has spent two seasons in the Liga Leumit and scored 13 goals in all competitions.