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 camp match against local team Banska Bystrica on Tuesday. This game will conclude their preseason camp ahead of their official season opener against Beitar Jerusalem on Saturday. Coach Eliniv Breda is seeking reinforcements for the left side of the defense, with ongoing negotiations involving Timouko Diarra and former player Yehav Gurfinkel. Gurfinkel is currently undecided about returning to Israel or continuing another season with AEK Larnaca in Cyprus.

The club aims to have a strong competitor alongside Doron Leidner due to Leidner's injury history and the desire to have two quality players for each position. So far, young defender Ofer Galbard, who impressed during the camp, has been considered a potential squad member if Gurfinkel does not return. Galbard was loaned to Maccabi Jaffa last season but returned to the youth team in January. Although several National League teams, including Hapoel Kfar Saba, have shown interest in Galbard, he remains under contract with Hapoel Tel Aviv, which has not yet signed a backup for Leidner.