Maccabi Haifa may move one of its promising young players this summer, as Ironi Kiryat Shmona has opened talks with Yaniv Gabai's representatives about a one-season loan. The report was published on Monday, June 22, 2026, and says Kiryat Shmona is considering Gabai as a possible addition for the upcoming Premier League campaign.
Gabai wants to stay in the top flight and get meaningful playing time. At Maccabi Haifa, there had also been consideration of registering him as one of the club's three over-age players in the youth team, but the expectation was that they would not block his move if a Premier League side promised him minutes.
The club's approach would mirror what happened with Iad Halaili, who played this season for Bnei Reineh. Gabai scored twice this season, both in 4-1 wins over Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv.
Overall, he made eight Premier League appearances and recorded one assist. The next step depends on whether Kiryat Shmona can reach an agreement that guarantees him playing time.