Maccabi Haifa Targets Aviv Salem to Fill Left-Back Injury Gap

Maccabi Haifa is facing a significant injury crisis at 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 latest league round and plans to undergo surgery abroad, likely sidelining him until March or April 2027.

Due to these setbacks, Maccabi Haifa aims to sign an Israeli left-back to preserve a foreign player slot for another position and is focusing on the domestic market. One candidate is Aviv Salem, the left-back from newly promoted Maccabi Petah Tikva, who still has one year left on his contract. Additionally, Haifa approached Rotem Klar, a left-back from Maccabi Netanya who recently became a free agent. Klar has received offers from foreign clubs but had a strong two-year stint at Netanya before the club decided not to renew his contract.

Meanwhile, Daniel Golani, who was loaned to Ironi Tiberias last season, is expected to return to Haifa as a backup for the left-back role. Tommy Tsitsoushvili is likely to be loaned out. These moves reflect Haifa's urgent need to stabilize their defense amid ongoing injury challenges.

The club continues to explore options in the Israeli Premier League to address the left-back shortage caused by injuries and contract situations.