Orel Dagani Set to Return for Another Season with Hapoel Petah Tikva

After initially announcing they would not renew his contract, Hapoel Petah Tikva has reversed course and is close to signing veteran defender Orel Dagani for another season. The 37-year-old, who played over 25 matches last season and helped both Hapoel Haifa and Hapoel Petah Tikva reach the top playoff tier in recent years, had been waiting for a suitable Premier League offer. The club’s renewed interest persuaded him to stay.

Dagani has praised coach Omer Peretz as a "football brain" and one of the best coaches he has worked with during his long career. The departure of senior Israeli defender Itay Rotman to Hapoel Be’er Sheva left Peretz without an experienced local center-back. While promising player Ido Tasa is expected to get playing time, Peretz values adding another seasoned defender to the squad.

So far, Hapoel Petah Tikva has signed Roy Sasson, Avishai Cohen, Yazan Nasser, Karim Kimbidi, Harel Shalom, and Guy Badash, while retaining Alex Musonda. The team will depart for a training camp in Bulgaria on Sunday, where they will play three matches against two local teams and Bnei Yehuda. Dagani is expected to join the squad for this camp.