Barcelona's Goren Set to Develop Quietly with Reserve Team After Strong Preseason

Seventeen-year-old Oriyan Goren, a promising Israeli football talent, is preparing for the 2026/27 season with Barcelona Atlètic, the club's reserve team. After an impressive preseason, including a notable 28-minute appearance with Barcelona's senior team in the Joan Gamper Trophy where he earned the highest rating, Goren is expected to gain valuable experience away from the spotlight. He debuted for Barcelona Atlètic as a substitute against Vilanova, showing promising performances in challenging conditions. This season, Goren will compete in a young squad aiming to reach the senior team, facing physical opponents on modest pitches, which will help him mature as a player.

Goren is not expected to be a regular starter but will have a significant role under coaches Giuliano Balti and Sergio Busquets. His forward movement and attacking activity have already marked him as one of the best players in the preseason, potentially earning him a call-up to Israel's national team at 17. Barcelona is known for nurturing young talent over time, and Goren's work ethic and progress in Catalonia suggest a positive outlook.

Meanwhile, Israeli midfielder Ofri Ard faces uncertainty at Romanian club Steaua Bucharest. After scoring in last season's Champions League, Ard has struggled with injuries and public criticism from the club's owner. Although he recently returned to the squad, Steaua's strong performance without him and new signings in defensive midfield raise questions about his future. Israeli clubs, including his former team Maccabi Haifa, might consider signing him before the transfer window closes.

Another Israeli player, Neta Lavi, now with Japan's Machida Zelvia, surprised by scoring his first goal in the Japanese league and his first since early 2025. The 30-year-old midfielder, known more for assists than goals, showed increased confidence with a powerful shot against a strong Urawa team. If Lavi continues to take more shots, his performance ceiling could rise significantly.

Overall, Israeli legionnaires are adapting to their new seasons with mixed optimism, highlighted by Goren's promising development and Lavi's unexpected scoring breakthrough, while Ard's situation remains uncertain.