Hapoel Tel Aviv Considers Young Defender as Backup if Yehav Gurfinkel Declines Return

Hapoel Tel Aviv is currently training in Slovakia and preparing for a final friendly match against local team Banska Bystrica on Tuesday, ahead of their official season opener against Beitar Jerusalem on Saturday. Coach Eliniv Breda is seeking to strengthen the squad's left side, with ongoing negotiations involving Timouko Diarra and former player Yehav Gurfinkel. Gurfinkel is undecided about returning to Israel or continuing another season with AEK Larnaca in Cyprus. The club aims to have a strong competitor for Doron Leidner due to his injury history and the desire to have two quality players per position. Meanwhile, young defender Ofer Galbard, who impressed during the training camp, may be included in the squad if Gurfinkel does not return. Galbard was loaned to Maccabi Jaffa last season but returned to the youth team in January. Despite interest from several National League clubs, including Hapoel Kfar Saba, Galbard remains with Hapoel Tel Aviv, which has not yet signed a backup for Leidner.