Hapoel Haifa Signs Midfielder Shay Elias, Adds Lior Rokach to Extended Squad

Hapoel Haifa finalized a surprising summer signing by acquiring midfielder Shay Elias for the upcoming season, with an option for an additional year. Elias, who played last season for Hapoel Be'er Sheva and contributed to their championship victory, is set to join Hapoel Haifa's training sessions starting tomorrow. However, he is not expected to be included in the squad for the upcoming Saturday match against Bnei Sakhnin, as the club plans to gradually build his match fitness.

Following Elias's signing, Hapoel Haifa also added midfielder Lior Rokach to their extended squad. Rokach, who played last season for Hapoel Hadera, recently joined the team’s training camp in Bulgaria and appeared as a substitute in the 1-3 victory over Ironi Tiberias, entering the match in the 68th minute.

The club expressed optimism about their recent performance against Ironi Tiberias but emphasized that it was only a Toto Cup match and that the squad is not yet finalized. Hapoel Haifa aims to sign three more players before the league season begins: a striker, a winger, and a backup left-back.