Israeli Free Agents Seek New Clubs Amid Active Transfer Window

As the global and Israeli football transfer window is in full swing, several Israeli players currently without clubs are searching for new teams ahead of the upcoming season. Among them is Matan Hozez, who parted ways with Hapoel Jerusalem after three seasons, including a loan from Maccabi Tel Aviv. Hapoel Ramat Gan and S.S. Ashdod have shown interest in signing him, with Ashdod recently acquiring Dor Micha. Hozez is also linked to a potential move abroad to Austria's Grazer, where Liam Harush plays.

Eli Dasa, a prominent Israeli defender, recently ended his season with NEC Nijmegen, which chose not to renew his contract. Although Maccabi Tel Aviv has expressed interest in bringing him back, Dasa currently prefers to wait for overseas offers. Omonia Nicosia, the Cypriot champions, have pursued him for two years and were ready to offer a two-year contract with a high salary as of June, but no progress has been made.

Midfielder Ilay Elmkayes, once a promising talent, is seeking a new club after relegation with Bnei Reineh. Hapoel Petah Tikva has offered him a two-year contract, but negotiations remain unresolved. Yoav Hofmeister, who had a peak season in Poland with Korona Kielce, has been out of play for over a year and a half due to medical issues. His agent revealed that Beitar Jerusalem attempted to sign him in summer 2025, but he is now expected to make a strong comeback next year.

Defender Ziv Morgan, whose contract with Hapoel Tel Aviv ended, is reportedly in advanced talks with Ironi Tiberias and has been offered to Bnei Sakhnin. Ophek Biton, after one season with Hapoel Haifa, is recovering from a cruciate ligament tear and currently has no club offers. Midfielder Michael Ohana, despite a strong season with Maccabi Haifa, is looking for a new team after the club declined to exercise his contract option. Aviv Avraham, returning to Israeli football with Hapoel Kiryat Shmona, is also a free agent with potential talks ongoing with Hapoel Afula.

Other free agents include midfielder Aviel Zargari, who played half a season in Romania before his team was relegated; Eden Shamir, who finished a season with Bnei Sakhnin and was linked to Hapoel Haifa; and Liran Sardal, a former face of Hapoel Haifa whose future with the club remains uncertain. Club owner Yoav Katz wishes to retain Sardal, but some parties prefer to part ways.

The Israeli Premier League clubs continue to evaluate and negotiate with these free agents as they prepare their squads for the new season.