Kiryat Shmona in talks to loan young Maccabi Haifa forward Yaniv Gabai

Ironi Kiryat Shmona has opened talks with representatives of Maccabi Haifa forward Yaniv Gabai, with the sides discussing a one-season loan. The report was published on Monday, June 22, 2026, and says the young striker could get a chance under coach Shay Berda next season.

Gabai wants to play in the Premier League and receive meaningful minutes. At Maccabi Haifa, one option considered was registering him as one of the club’s three over-age players in the youth team, but the expectation was that if a Premier League club guaranteed him playing time, they would not block a move. The situation is being compared to Iad Halaily, who played this season for Bnei Reineh.

This season, Gabai scored twice, both in 1-4 wins over Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv. Overall, he made eight Premier League appearances and added one assist. Maccabi Haifa is planning major changes this summer, and Gabai is one of the young players who could end up elsewhere in the top division.