Villeurbanne Emerges as Leading Candidate to Loan Israeli Guard Tamir Blatt from Hapoel Tel Aviv

Israeli point guard Tamir Blatt is set to sign a three-year contract with Hapoel Tel Aviv, with plans for him to be loaned out for the upcoming season. The deal was finalized on Thursday, July 30, 2026. According to Channel 5 Sports, the EuroLeague club most likely to acquire Blatt on loan is Villeurbanne, although several other EuroLeague teams have also expressed interest in the Israeli guard.

Villeurbanne, coached by Tony Parker, is currently facing significant financial difficulties after failing to provide the necessary guarantees for their planned large budget. This situation led to the departure of Silvian Francisco, who signed with Panathinaikos without playing a game for Villeurbanne. The financial instability may also affect the status of another guard, Nick Weiler-Babb, whom Hapoel Tel Aviv is reportedly interested in acquiring.

The professional staff at Hapoel Tel Aviv initiated contact with Villeurbanne's president Tony Parker to discuss Blatt's potential loan. Blatt, who played for Maccabi Tel Aviv over the past three seasons, previously spent part of his career at Hapoel Tel Aviv. Last season in the EuroLeague, he averaged 7.1 points and 5.2 assists in 19.5 minutes per game.