Between Khalaily and Benson: Maccabi Haifa’s Winger Situation

The players expected to lead, the ones in flux, and whether the young talent will go out on loan? Sport 5, published: 11.06.26, 10:50

At Maccabi Haifa, work is underway on building the squad for next season, and it is already clear that Manuel Benson, who has not really impressed so far, and Kenji Gora, who was among the standouts before his injury, are expected to be significant factors in the attacking front. It is still unclear whether Barak Bakhar will continue with a 4-3-3 system next season as well, but if he does, Maccabi Haifa will need four good wingers in order to create competition.

Silva Kani’s place in the squad is secure for next season too, and he can fill that role. Alongside him in the squad are also Dolev Haziza, who is in a precarious position, Kenny Saief and Cedric Don. Also set to report for training is the young Iyad Khalaily, who was loaned out last season to Bnei Reineh and is wanted by Hapoel Ramat Gan. If he understands that he is not a third or fourth option on the wings, he will ask to go out on loan again.

This season he played 1,760 league minutes for Bnei Reineh, in which he scored two goals and added one assist. He was the team’s best dribbler by a clear margin, its top tackler, and second in shots on goal. In the league, only two players are statistically better dribblers than him, Kings Kangwa and Amir Ganach, but both played more than he did. He will try to impress Bakhar and Lior Refaelov, but it is not out of the question that he will go out on loan again. Premier League. Spotted a language mistake?