Former Hapoel Jerusalem Defender Yao Set to Return to Israeli Premier League with Maccabi Petah Tikva

Ilouz Yao, a former defender for Hapoel Jerusalem, is expected to return to the Israeli Premier League by joining Maccabi Petah Tikva. Yao will arrive for a trial with the team coached by Ziv Arie, his former coach at Hapoel Jerusalem, and may sign for the upcoming season.

Yao has been without a club recently and did not play in the last season. Prior to that, he made two appearances for Virtus Verona, which finished 18th in Italy's Serie C and was relegated to the fourth division. During the 2024/25 season, his last in Israel, Yao played 23 matches and recorded one assist. Over his career in Jerusalem, he totaled five assists and one goal in 114 appearances.

In addition to his time in Israel, Yao has played for Lugano and several smaller clubs in Italy, including a stint with Inter Primavera. His potential signing with Maccabi Petah Tikva marks a possible return to top-flight Israeli football after a period abroad and inactivity.