Maccabi Haifa Holds Off on Foreign Left-Back After Failed Move for Klal

Maccabi Haifa are not rushing to sign a foreign left-back, despite serious injuries to Pierre Cornud and Yinon Peingazicht. Cornud, the French defender, is expected to return only in early 2027, while the younger Peingazicht may be back around the playoffs.

At this stage, Haifa already have three foreign spots effectively locked in, Yila Batayi, Cedric Don, and Manuel Benson. The club also plans to bring in a foreign striker if Trivante Stewart does not stay, plus a new center back and an attacking midfielder, meaning six foreign slots are already expected to be filled. If current indications hold, Yarin Levi will remain, so Haifa do not expect to add a foreign defensive midfielder.

Only after those moves are settled will the club consider a foreign fullback, and it is not currently a priority. Haifa did try to sign Rotem Klal, but he chose to join Hungarian side Debrecen instead.

For now, coach Barak Bakhar is left with internal options. Daniel Golani has just returned from loan at Ironi Tiberias, though he mainly played the role in a three-center-back system. Kenny Saief has experience as a left back for Haifa, Shon Goldberg has played there for much of his career, and Lisav Eissat recently filled the role for Romania. A less realistic option is Tzomi Tsitashvili, who was recalled in January from Hapoel Kfar Saba because of Cornud’s injury, but in practice played for the club’s youth team.