Israeli Premier League Transfer Window Midterm Review Highlights Strengthened and Weakened Teams

With about a month left in the summer transfer window and two weeks until the Israeli Premier League season begins, a midterm assessment reveals which teams have strengthened, which need improvement, and which remain uncertain. The transfer period is still active, with some clubs making significant signings close to the deadline.

Beitar Jerusalem and Maccabi Netanya stand out as the most improved teams, both rated 8 out of 10. Beitar retained key players like Omer Atzili and Yarden Shoa, and added promising attackers including Sean Weissman and Eugene Ansah. Netanya, despite losing winger Riberto Tabarsh, bolstered their squad with quality signings such as goalkeeper Alon Azougi and midfielder Dolev Haziza, marking a successful third transfer window under owner Ross Kastin.

Maccabi Haifa and Hapoel Haifa each earned a 7, showing solid but incomplete progress. Haifa cleared out surplus players and added important signings like Bruninho and Omri Glazer, while Hapoel Haifa quietly strengthened with new foreign players including Shik Keita and Ariel Mendy. Newly promoted Hapoel Ramat Gan also scored a 7, with key acquisitions like Maksim Plakuschenko and forward Luan Campos.

Teams rated 6 include Hapoel Tel Aviv, which made a high-profile signing in Douglas Aveso but still faces questions about overall squad strength, and Hapoel Petah Tikva and Bnei Sakhnin, both undergoing significant roster changes but lacking standout upgrades. Maccabi Petah Tikva also remains a question mark with several new foreign players and unproven Israeli additions.

The biggest declines were seen in Hapoel Be'er Sheva and Maccabi Tel Aviv, each rated 5. Be'er Sheva lost star Kings Kangwa and awaits reinforcements despite financial gains from European competition. Maccabi Tel Aviv has been largely inactive so far, with key players likely to depart and only modest signings made. Lower-rated teams include Ironi Kiryat Shmona and Hapoel Jerusalem at 4, both losing important players without clear replacements.

Ironi Tiberias remains the biggest uncertainty due to ongoing doping suspensions affecting players and staff, casting doubt on their league participation and potential point deductions. Their transfer activity is overshadowed by these off-field issues, leaving their competitive status unresolved.

This midterm review reflects the dynamic nature of the transfer window and sets expectations for the upcoming Israeli Premier League season, with some clubs clearly improving while others face challenges or uncertainty.