Maccabi Netanya Signs Dolev Haziza Amid Leadership and Squad Changes

Maccabi Netanya expressed strong satisfaction with the signing of midfielder Dolev Haziza, who is expected to contribute both on the field and as a leader in the locker room, filling a gap from last season. Haziza requested and received the number 8 jersey, previously worn by Yuval Shade. He plans to attend his new team's match against Hapoel Jerusalem on Saturday evening and will be fit for the league's start, though he likely won't play significant minutes in the Toto Cup as he is still regaining full physical condition. The club's fitness coach, Ofer Doron, is preparing a gradual program to restore his fitness.

Haziza's camp indicated that his recent departure statement from Maccabi Haifa, which thanked only the fans and club but not certain individuals, was deliberate. They warned that when Haziza speaks about the events of recent months, it will be impactful, as he intends to explain his side to the Haifa supporters who always backed him. His greatest disappointment was with Lior Rafaelov, who also addressed Haziza's expressed frustration during a recent press conference.

Following Haziza's signing, Netanya is advancing negotiations to bring in Christian Nawotcko on a loan deal with a purchase option, led by CEO Gil Lev and agent attorney Satu Hakmon. Concurrently, the club is searching for a foreign central defender. If Aziz Ouattara's agent finds him a new club as promised, a foreign defensive midfielder will be signed as his replacement. Meanwhile, Willian Siprian remains with the team despite underperforming, though the club has not ruled out replacing him before the league begins.