Maccabi Haifa’s overhaul accelerates as several key players are set to leave

Maccabi Haifa is preparing for a major squad rebuild ahead of the 2025/26 season, with winger Dolev Haziza no longer in the club’s plans. The report says Haziza appeared in 35 matches last season, the third-highest total among Haifa outfield players, but he is now among several significant names expected to depart.

At the top of that list is Yila Batai, who is expected to stay. By contrast, Tirybante Stewart is on the market, and Haifa’s aim is to sell him in a profitable deal and use the proceeds to bring in a foreign striker. Abdulaye Seck, who started 29 matches and was a defensive anchor, is also not expected to continue. Peter Agba, signed last summer, played in 27 matches in all competitions and was rotated into the starting lineup, while Lisav Eissat, who started 28 matches, may also leave. Goalkeeper Georgi Yermakov is in demand as well.

The implication is that at least three of the eight outfield players with the most appearances, Stewart, Haziza and Seck, are unlikely to remain, and Eissat’s future is also uncertain. The changes come alongside a coaching staff shake-up around manager Barak Bakhar. Among the adjustments, David Marten has been appointed assistant coach.

There are also some returns from loan. Daniel Golani and Yarin Levi will rejoin the squad after loan spells at Tiberias and Beitar Jerusalem, respectively. Iyad Halaili and Itay Ehud are also set to stay, while the rest of the players are not expected to feature for the club next season.