Hapoel Petah Tikva Advances Talks to Sign Forward Florent Batoum

Hapoel Petah Tikva is in advanced negotiations to sign 24-year-old Cameroonian forward Florent Batoum, who played last season for M.S. Ashdod before transferring to Polish club Cracovia in February. Batoum has expressed willingness to return to Israel, and if signed, he would replace Mark Costa, whose contract option was not exercised by Petah Tikva.

Following the recent strengthening of their defense with new signings including Avishi Cohen, Harel Shalom, and goalkeeper Roy Sasson, and the extension of defender Alex Musonda's contract, the club is now focusing on bolstering its attacking lineup. In midfield, Petah Tikva continues to work on reinforcements; after signing Guy Badash, coach Omer Peretz is seeking to finalize another midfield position. Maccabi Tel Aviv has approved the loan extension of midfielder Nadav Nidam for another season. Nidam, who missed the upper playoff due to injury, is now fully fit and eager to remain under Peretz's management.

Separately, Hapoel Petah Tikva announced a sponsorship agreement with Israeli cybersecurity company Vega ahead of the 2026/27 season. The deal includes Vega's logo appearing on the team's official match shorts for all games, extensive visual and digital presence at the home stadium, including LED advertising boards, the official interview wall, and the match ball ceremony at home games. The partnership will also involve collaborations on the club's social media channels.