Israeli Footballers Remain Free Agents After Transfer Window Closes

The Israeli football transfer window has officially closed, leaving a number of Israeli players without clubs and seeking new opportunities. Despite the closure, teams in the Israeli Premier League can still sign free agents to bolster their rosters.

Among the notable free agents is Eitan Dasa, a senior player who finished his contract with NEC Nijmegen. While Maccabi Tel Aviv has reportedly shown interest in bringing him back to Israel, Dasa is reportedly not considering a return at this time and is awaiting offers from abroad. Omonia Nicosia of Cyprus has also been linked with Dasa, having previously shown interest.

Other players seeking new clubs include Yehav Gorfinkel, released by AEK Larnaca and potentially returning to the Premier League with Maccabi Haifa showing interest. Guy Hadida, a midfielder who starred for Ironi Tiberias, is eligible to play from October after a suspension. Yoav Hoffmeister, who had a strong season in Poland, has been sidelined for about 18 months with an unspecified medical issue, though his agent is optimistic about his return next year. Beit Shemesh also reportedly tried to sign him.

Ophir Biton is recovering from a torn ACL and is expected to be fully fit in two months, after which he may attract club interest. Promising defender Roey Zrihan has a transfer fee of 210,000 NIS set by arbitration. Michael Ohana, who had a productive season with Maccabi Haifa, is looking for his next club after his contract option was not exercised, having rejected an offer from Bnei Sakhnin. Aviv Avraham is seeking a Premier League club while also looking to observe Shabbat. Aviel Zargari's contract with Romanian club Hermannstadt ended when they were relegated, and he has been offered to clubs in Romania and Thailand without concrete offers.

Additionally, Liran Sardal, a long-time face of Hapoel Haifa, is without a club. Striker Rotem Hatuel, also from Hapoel Haifa, is aiming for a Premier League contract, with Bnei Sakhnin and MS Ashdod mentioned as potential destinations. Jonathan Tepper is a free agent following two years with Tiberias amidst a transfer controversy. Sean Weiss, an Israeli midfielder who played in Moldova and Cyprus, is exploring options in Israel and Europe. Firas Abu Akel, a midfielder with experience in Israel and Azerbaijan, is preferring Premier League offers over those from the second division.