Maccabi Haifa Considers Israeli Defender Hassan Hilu Amid Defensive Shortage

Maccabi Haifa is facing a shortage of central defenders following the sale of Lisb Asat, the injury of Elad Amir, and the departure of Abdoulai Sque. Currently, their central defense includes Noam Steifman, who is expected to have his debut season, Sean Goldberg, who lost his starting spot last season, and Pedro, who is recovering from a long-term injury.

According to Channel Sport, 26-year-old defender Hassan Hilu has been offered to Maccabi Haifa. Hilu recently completed a loan spell at Bnei Sakhnin and is under contract with Japan's Jubilo Iwata. He also has an offer to return to Bnei Sakhnin for the upcoming season and is a candidate for Maccabi Netanya. Hilu grew up at Bnei Sakhnin and, aside from a loan to Bnei Reineh, has not played for any other Israeli club.

Maccabi Haifa is still searching for a foreign defender after negotiations for Huddersfield's Radinio Bulka cooled down. The foreign defender was supposed to replace Abdoulai Sque, but Asat's departure and Amir's injury have forced the club to seek an additional foreign signing.

Meanwhile, Maccabi Haifa loaned young defender Tomer Lens to Ironi Kiryat Yam after he spent last season on loan at Hapoel Kfar Saba in the National League.