Hapoel Petah Tikva Advances Talks to Sign Forward Florent Batoum

Hapoel Petah Tikva is in advanced negotiations with 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 declined by Petah Tikva.

Following recent defensive reinforcements including Avishi Cohen, Harel Shalom, goalkeeper Roy Sasson, and the retention of defender Alex Musonda, the club is now focusing on strengthening its attacking lineup. In the midfield, Petah Tikva continues to build after signing Guy Badash, with coach Omer Peretz seeking to fill 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 stay under Peretz's management.

Separately, Hapoel Petah Tikva announced a sponsorship agreement with Israeli cybersecurity company Vega ahead of the 2026/27 season. Vega's logo will appear on the official match shorts of the senior team throughout the season. The sponsorship package includes extensive visual and digital presence at the home stadium, featuring 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.