Maccabi Haifa's Transfer Window Decision Sparks Outrage Among Pundits

Pundits on the new Walla Sport program "Lo Lefursum" (Not for Publication) expressed disbelief and criticism regarding Maccabi Haifa's decision not to sign a left-back during the recent summer transfer window, which closed recently. Panelists debated the club's strategy, with some suggesting that the team had explored acquiring a foreign left-back, which would have potentially led to the departure of player Pedrão. However, internal disagreements reportedly arose, culminating in a collective decision to forgo signing a new left-back.

The primary reason cited for this decision was the club's desire to preserve a foreign player slot for the January transfer window. This would allow them flexibility to cut a player like Pedrão or another if needed, and to make further reinforcements. The club is also reportedly awaiting the return of player Cornu from injury in November, after a year-long absence due to surgery for a torn ACL and meniscus.

One pundit, Shlomo Weiss, called the situation "delusional," questioning the strategy of waiting for an injured player to return after a year, especially given the club's significant budget of 120 million shekels. Another panelist, Ranen Barnovski, pointed out the uncertainty of how the injured player would perform after such a severe surgery.

Former coach Slobodan Drapić drew parallels to his past experiences, where mid-season signings of players like Rokavitsa and Shechter, along with Dan Einbinder and Jesus Rueda, helped turn around poor seasons. Pundit Ofir Saar also suggested that Daniel Golani, who was released by the club, could have filled the left-back role.

Drapić further speculated that the club might have considered players like Goldberg and Tsunami for the position, or even Gurfinkel, whom he coached previously. He also proposed acquiring players like Davidzada or Balta from Hapoel Be'er Sheva as viable options.