Maccabi Haifa Targets Left-Back Aviv Salem Amid Injury Crisis

Maccabi Haifa is facing a severe injury crisis in the left-back position this season, prompting the club to seek reinforcements. Pierre Cornu suffered a torn ACL and is expected to return only in early 2027 after surgery. Linon Feingezicht also sustained a similar injury in the last round and plans to undergo surgery abroad, delaying his return until at least March or April 2027.

Due to these setbacks, Maccabi Haifa prefers to sign an Israeli left-back to preserve a foreign player slot for another position, focusing on the domestic transfer market. One candidate is Aviv Salem, the left-back from newly promoted Maccabi Petah Tikva, who still has one year remaining on his contract. The club also approached Rotem Klar, a left-back from Maccabi Netanya whose contract recently expired, but Klar is considering offers from foreign clubs.

Additionally, Daniel Golani, who was loaned to Ironi Tiberias last season, is expected to return as a backup left-back. Meanwhile, Tommy Tsitsoushvili is likely to be loaned out. Maccabi Haifa is actively working to stabilize the left-back position ahead of the upcoming season due to the ongoing injury challenges.