Maccabi Haifa's Radinio Balcer Transfer Stalls as Team Seeks Defensive Alternatives

Maccabi Haifa is preparing for its second preseason friendly match in Hungary against Paksi from the local league, scheduled for 18:00. Brazilian midfielder Bruninho is set to make his unofficial debut after impressing in training, while fellow Brazilian Pedro is also expected to play due to Lisab Issat's departure to Bristol City in the English Championship. Injured players Yila Btayi and Manuel Benson will not participate in the match.

Yaïr Mordechai, who scored in the previous game against Dundee, and Iyad Khalili, who was involved in key plays, are expected to start. Regarding defensive reinforcements, Radinio Balcer, a center-back who had nearly finalized a deal and even visited Israel with his wife, is currently reconsidering and exploring other options. Maccabi Haifa is seeking at least one foreign center-back, with the fitness of Elad Amir and Pedro influencing coach Barak Bachar's defensive plans. It is possible that two new center-backs will be signed.

Additionally, winger Kenji Gorré, who represented Curaçao at the World Cup, has arrived in Israel and will join the team upon their return from the training camp. The club continues to adjust its roster ahead of the upcoming season in the Israeli Premier League.