Maccabi Haifa has informed captain Dolev Haziza that he is not part of the club’s professional plans for next season, according to a report published by Sport5. Sports director Lior Refaelov and coach Barak Bakhar met Haziza on Sunday and made that clear, meaning he will now look for another team.
Haziza was a central figure in Haifa’s successful years, becoming one of the squad’s most important players and even wearing the captain’s armband despite not coming through the club’s youth system. He remains popular with supporters, but his standing has declined over the past two seasons.
For next season, left winger Kenji Ghora is expected to be the leading option on the left side. Haifa has already brought in Itai Mordechai and recalled Iad Halaili from loan, while the club also plans to sign a major foreign attacking midfielder. That role can also be filled by Cedric Don, Mordechai and Itan Azoulay.
A club source told Sport5, “Haziza is a good player, a positive personality in the locker room. He had excellent seasons, but it was decided that the team needs a refresh. We appreciate him מאוד.” Haziza joins Abdulai Sek, Georges Yovanjic, Michael Ohana and Sof Podgoreanu on the list of departures, but he is not the last. Peter Agba is also not in the plans, and Haifa is seeking a buyer. Trivante Stewart will only be sold if another club pays 1.5 million euros, the same amount Haifa paid for him last year. Defender Fedrau may be loaned out after playing only one match in the last 14 months.
