Maccabi Netanya Bolsters Squad Ahead of Hapoel Petah Tikva Clash
Translated & summarized from Sport5 by baba
Maccabi Netanya significantly strengthened its squad during the summer 2026 transfer window, adding new players like Isaac Rodriguez de Lima and Olivier Verdon. Coach Roni Levi expects new signings, including Verdon and de Lima, to feature in the starting lineup against Hapoel Petah Tikva. Several players are sidelined due to injury or are not in contention, while others face increased competition for roster spots.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Maccabi Netanya was highly active in the summer 2026 transfer window, adding new players.
- New signings Isaac Rodriguez de Lima and Olivier Verdon are expected to start against Hapoel Petah Tikva.
- Several players are injured, including William Ciprian and Yarin Abuhatzira, while Maor Levy is limited to half a game.
- Dolev Haziza is increasing training intensity but not yet match fit.
- Players like Omri Shamir and Denis Kolikov may be excluded from the squad due to new arrivals.
Maccabi Netanya was the most active team during the final stretch of the summer 2026 transfer window, with coach Roni Levi successfully making significant upgrades to his squad. After two weeks of training, new signings Isaac Rodriguez de Lima, Gabriel Simeon, and Olivier Verdon have integrated into the team, enhancing the "Diamonds'" roster with greater depth and quality. "Today we are a more complete team," stated club officials.
Based on recent training sessions, Verdon, a defender acquired from Ludogorets, is expected to make his starting debut against Hapoel Petah Tikva. The Brazilian winger, de Lima, is also likely to start. A decision on whether Dolev Haziza will be included in the squad will be made after the final training session, as he has increased his training intensity but is not yet at full match fitness.
Maor Levy, recovering from an injury, is slated to start on the bench and is not fit to play more than a half. Meanwhile, William Ciprian and Yarin Abuhatzira remain injured, with Ciprian not currently in the team's plans. Itai Ben Shabbat, who might depart in January, will also be excluded from the squad due to a minor knee injury. Eyalon Almog, who has shown good form in training, will await his opportunity from the bench.
The influx of new players means that some current squad members may need to compete more intensely for their places, including spots on the 20-man game day roster. Omri Shamir and Denis Kolikov are among those who might find themselves outside the squad. Bnei Feldman, previously the team's top Israeli defender, did not play for the youth national team, leading to the expectation that Verdon will partner with Bakary Konate in central defense. The likely starting lineup includes Samuel de Silva, Alon Azugi, Olivier Verdon, Bakary Konate, Amit Cohen, Nadav Nidam, Aziz Wattara, Bassam Zaroura, Oz Bilu, Isaac de Lima, and the player.
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