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

Maccabi Haifa is preparing for its second pre-season friendly on July 8, 2026, at 18:00 local time, facing Paksi from the Hungarian league during their training camp in Hungary. Brazilian midfielder Bruninho is set to make his unofficial debut for the club, having impressed in training sessions so far. Another Brazilian player, Pedrão, is also expected to get playing time, especially following the departure of Lisab Issat, who left the camp to sign with Bristol City in the English Championship.

Injured players Yila Btayi, who suffered a blow, and Manuel Benson, who has yet to return to full training, will not participate in the match. Yair Mordechai, who scored in the previous game against Dundee, and Iyad Khalili, involved in key plays, are expected to start.

Regarding defensive reinforcements, Radinio Balakr, a central defender, was close to signing and even visited Israel with his wife for evaluation. However, he is currently reconsidering and exploring other options, leaving Maccabi Haifa searching for at least one foreign center-back. The fitness of Elad Amir and Pedrão will influence the defensive lineup under coach Barak Bachar this season, and the club may ultimately sign two defenders.

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