Beitar Jerusalem Secures Winger Nana Gambla from Ironi Tiberias

Beitar Jerusalem has reached an agreement to acquire winger Nana Gambla from Ironi Tiberias, a promising player in the Israeli Premier League. The transfer is slated for the summer, ahead of the 2027/28 season. Beitar Jerusalem will reportedly pay NIS 550,000 for the 24-year-old Ivorian player, who is expected to sign a three-year contract with an option for an additional year. Gambla will finish the current season with Tiberias, with the transfer fee to be paid to the northern club immediately.

The acquisition comes at a turbulent time for Ironi Tiberias, which is grappling with a severe financial and management crisis. The club is undergoing a recovery plan involving significant cutbacks, following a series of scandals. Tiberias has already been penalized with a 14-point deduction over two seasons due to a double-contract affair and faced sanctions against players and staff in a separate case involving player transfers. Furthermore, allegations of financial offenses totaling tens of millions of shekels, allegedly linked to the club's conduct over several seasons, are under investigation.

Adding to the turmoil, Ironi Tiberias announced on Wednesday the dismissal of coach Moti Krispel, who was appointed just two months prior. This decision sparked anger among the team's players, who initially refused to attend training. Simultaneously, several club officials have been summoned for disciplinary hearings as part of the austerity measures.

For Tiberias, Gambla's sale represents a crucial opportunity to generate revenue and alleviate its financial difficulties. For Beitar Jerusalem, it is an investment in a young player known for his attacking skills and speed. Gambla, who arrived in Israel last summer after playing in Qatar's second division, impressed the coaching staff during a trial and was signed by Tiberias. He has scored one goal in seven Premier League appearances this season. His career includes stints in Ukraine, Slovenia, Russia, and Kazakhstan, with a total of eight goals and ten assists in 107 appearances.