From Khalaili to Benson: The State of Maccabi Haifa's Wingers

The players expected to lead, the uncertain ones, 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 Hora, who was among the standouts before his injury, are expected to be a significant factor in the attacking third. It is still not clear whether Barak Bachar will continue with a 4-3-3 formation 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 guaranteed for next season too, and he can fill this role. In addition to him, the squad also includes Dolev Haziza, who is uncertain, Kenny Saief and Cedric Don. The player who will arrive for the start of training is young Eyad Khalaili, who was loaned last season to Bnei Reineh and is wanted by Hapoel Ramat Gan. If he understands that he is not the 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, scoring two goals and adding one assist. He was the team’s best dribbler by a clear margin, its leading tackler, and second in shots on goal. In the league, only two players are statistically better dribblers than him, Kings Kangwa and Amir Ganah, but both played more than he did. He will try to impress Bachar and Lior Refaelov, but it is entirely possible that he will go out on loan again. Israeli Premier League. Found a wording error?