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

Seventeen-year-old Oriyan Goren, hailed as one of the brightest Israeli football talents, is preparing for a breakthrough season with Barcelona's reserve team, Barcelona Atlètic. After an impressive preseason, including a notable 28-minute appearance in the Joan Gamper Cup with the senior team where he earned the highest rating, Goren is expected to gain valuable experience playing regularly in a competitive environment filled with young players aiming for promotion to the first team. Coaches Juliano Balti and Sergio Busquets will oversee his development, focusing on gradual growth rather than immediate stardom. Goren's progress has drawn attention in Catalonia, with many considering him one of La Masia's most promising recent prospects. Despite not being a guaranteed starter, his forward movement and attacking dynamism have already made him a candidate for Israel's national team at just 17 years old.

Meanwhile, Israeli midfielder Ofri Ard faces uncertainty at Romanian club Steaua Bucharest. After scoring in last season's Champions League, Ard has struggled with public criticism from the club's owner and injury setbacks. Although recently reintegrated into the squad, his role remains limited, and the team continues to compete strongly without him. Steaua's recent signings of experienced defensive midfielders raise questions about Ard's future, with speculation about a possible transfer before the window closes, potentially back to former club Maccabi Haifa.

Another Israeli player making headlines is Neta Lavi at Japan's Machida Zelvia. Lavi recently scored his first goal in the Japanese league and his first since early 2025, showcasing a newfound confidence by converting a powerful shot from a corner kick. Approaching his 30th birthday, Lavi has scored 13 goals in 350 career games and is showing signs of expanding his offensive contributions, which could elevate his overall impact on the field.

As the 2026/27 season unfolds, Israeli legionnaires are adapting at various paces, with Goren's quiet development at Barcelona Atlètic standing out as a promising story for Israeli football's future.