Villeurbanne Likely to Loan Israeli Guard Tamir Blatt After Signing with 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, and while Blatt will officially join Hapoel Tel Aviv, he is expected to spend the next season on loan to a EuroLeague club. The leading candidate to acquire Blatt on loan is Villeurbanne, a team facing significant financial difficulties after failing to secure the necessary budget guarantees. This financial turmoil led to the departure of Silvayn Francisco, who signed with Panathinaikos without playing a game for Villeurbanne, and may also affect guard Nick Weiler-Babb, who is reportedly of interest to Hapoel Tel Aviv.

Hapoel Tel Aviv's coaching staff 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. In the last EuroLeague season, he averaged 7.1 points and 5.2 assists in 19.5 minutes per game. The ongoing negotiations reflect both Hapoel Tel Aviv's strategic interest in strengthening their roster and Villeurbanne's need to manage their financial challenges while maintaining competitive depth.