Hapoel Haifa Wants Sanah Gomes Back, but He Refuses to Return

Hapoel Haifa is preparing for the 2026/27 season, but defender Sanah Gomes is still refusing to come back to Israel even though the club exercised its option on him and extended his contract. The team has tried to keep him, including an effort to reopen and improve his deal, but he has continued to reject the offer.

The main dispute centers on salary. Gomes did not receive a pay raise under his current contract, and his representatives are demanding that the club set a realistic transfer price for the defender instead. Club owner Yoav Katz has so far declined to do that.

Hapoel Haifa responded that Gomes was treated well by club officials and that the team expects him to arrive for preseason training as required by his contract. The club said, "The player received excellent treatment from the club's people. We respect the player and expect his arrival at the start of training in accordance with his contract."

The report was published on June 15, 2026, at 16:43, as Hapoel Haifa continues preparations for the coming campaign in the Israeli Premier League.