Israeli Premier League Transfer Window Midterm Review Highlights Winners and Losers

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 key foreign signings close to the deadline.

Beitar Jerusalem and Maccabi Netanya top the list of teams that have significantly improved. Beitar retained key players like Omer Atzili and Yarden Shoa, added promising Israeli striker Sean Weissman, and secured impactful foreign players such as Eugene Ansah. Maccabi Netanya upgraded their squad by signing goalkeeper Alon Azougi and acquiring Dolev Haziza, who brings leadership and winning experience.

Maccabi Haifa and Hapoel Haifa also made notable progress, with Haifa bringing in Bruno and strengthening defense and midfield, while Hapoel Haifa quietly assembled a solid squad including promising foreign player Shik Kaiteh. Newly promoted Hapoel Ramat Gan has rebuilt extensively, adding key players Maksim Plakuschenko and Luan Campos, aiming to secure their top-flight status.

On the other hand, teams like Hapoel Tel Aviv and Hapoel Petah Tikva showed mixed results. Hapoel Tel Aviv's success hinges on the performance of new signing Douglas Aveso, while Petah Tikva maintained most of their core but lacked standout new additions. Bnei Sakhnin and Maccabi Petah Tikva face challenges due to reliance on new foreign players and unproven Israeli signings.

Some clubs appear weakened, notably Hapoel Be'er Sheva, which lost star player Kings Kangwa and currently fields a less competitive squad despite financial gains from European competition. Maccabi Tel Aviv has been relatively inactive, with key players likely to depart and only minor reinforcements added, raising questions about their competitiveness.

Ironi Kiryat Shmona and Hapoel Jerusalem also weakened after losing important players without adequate replacements. Ironi Tiberias remains the biggest question mark due to ongoing disciplinary issues affecting player availability and coaching staff, casting doubt on their league participation and performance.

Overall, the transfer window has reshaped the league landscape, but final judgments await the closing of the window and the start of the season.