Maccabi Haifa Targets Omri Katz as Backup Goalkeeper Amid Transfer Challenges

Maccabi Haifa is actively seeking a second goalkeeper, with Omri Katz from Hapoel Petah Tikva emerging as a key candidate. The club's primary target, Yoni Nir'on from Maccabi Netanya, remains out of reach due to high transfer demands. Consequently, Haifa is exploring alternatives like Katz but is unwilling to pay any transfer or loan fees for him. Currently, Hapoel Petah Tikva has no plans to release Katz, who is considered a vital player for the team.

Hapoel Petah Tikva is also among the frontrunners to acquire young midfielder Itay Ehud from Maccabi Haifa, though it is unclear if this potential deal would influence Katz's situation. Katz, 28, began his career at Maccabi Herzliya's academy before moving to Maccabi Tel Aviv, where he was under contract from 2009 to 2017. He made his professional debut with Hapoel Ramat Hasharon and later played for Beitar Tel Aviv Ramla. Since the 2020/2021 season, Katz has been a mainstay at Hapoel Petah Tikva, accumulating 176 appearances across all competitions.