Hapoel Rishon LeZion is making an ambitious push for promotion and is in advanced, marathon negotiations with Nigerian striker Ezekiel Henty. The club hopes to close the financial gap with the player, despite his high salary demands, while other teams are also competing for his signature.
Henty was a central figure in Hapoel Ramat Gan's promotion run to the Premier League, and has changed the team's attack since joining as a January signing. If Rishon LeZion succeeds, it would strengthen its status as one of the leading contenders for promotion next season.
The club has already completed several additions, including Shahar Amsalem, Ronen Peretz, Shay Konstantin, Shavit Elgabi, Yehuda Balai, Roi Ben Shimon and Uri Tzafon. On Wednesday evening, it also finalized terms with two more newcomers, Aharon Shafso, who played for Ironi Tiberias in the Premier League last season, and Dolev Azoulay, formerly of Hapoel Nof HaGalil.
Rishon LeZion is also negotiating with Ihaab Abu al-Sheikh, who played for Ra'anana last season, and with Yves Ransom, who left Hapoel Jerusalem and is also talking with Kiryat Yam. Meanwhile, Lithuanian striker Eligijus Jankauskas, who joined after finishing as top scorer in Lithuania, will stay for a second season and remain the team's leading forward.