Maccabi Netanya Signs Dolev Haziza Amid Tensions With Former Club Maccabi Haifa

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 chose to wear the number 8 jersey, previously worn by Yuval Shade, and will attend his new team's match against Hapoel Jerusalem on Saturday evening. Although he will be fit for the league opener, Haziza is unlikely to play significant minutes in the Toto Cup as he is still regaining full fitness, with a tailored training program prepared by the club's fitness coach, Ofer Doron.

Haziza's camp indicated that his recent farewell message to Maccabi Haifa, in which he thanked only the fans and club but not certain individuals, was deliberate. They warned that when Haziza speaks about the events of recent months, "the earth will shake," as he intends to clarify his side to the green supporters who have always backed him. His greatest disappointment was with Lior Rafaelov, who also addressed the tension in a recent press conference.

Following Haziza's signing, Netanya is advancing talks to bring in Christian Novacek on a loan deal with a purchase option, led by CEO Gil Lev and agent attorney Satu Hachmon. The club is simultaneously seeking 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 Ciprian remains with the team despite underperforming, though the club has not ruled out replacing him before the league starts.