Maccabi Tel Aviv faces a crucial roster decision in the January transfer window following an injury to left-back Noam Ben Harush. The defender suffered a meniscus tear and is expected to be sidelined for a month and a half, leaving the Yellow-Ties searching for defensive reinforcement.
The situation came under scrutiny during the 50th episode of the Sport1 podcast “Above the League,” hosted by Gil Kenal alongside panel members Ofir Saar and Matanel Alashbili. Discussions centered on finding a suitable replacement to shore up the squad’s left flank when the transfer window opens.
Assessing the Left-Back Options
Ben Harush had steadily secured his place in the lineup after stepping into the role previously held by Roy Revivo. Addressing the team’s sudden vulnerability, Kenal noted the player’s development before his setback.
“He quietly stepped into Roy Revivo’s shoes, but now he is injured with a meniscus tear and will be out for a month and a half, and in the end, Maccabi Tel Aviv will need a left-back,” Kenal said on the podcast. “Will they make some kind of move in January? In my opinion, if they need to find some player in the league, a foreigner, it’s Ariel Mendy.”
Saar backed the suggestion, offering high praise for the Hapoel Haifa defender. “Doing it at Hapoel Haifa is not doing it at Hapoel Tel Aviv, he has offensive power.”
When Kenal questioned whether the club should pursue a foreign left-back reinforcement despite foreign quota limitations, Saar pointed toward potential adjustments within the foreign player roster.
The Negotiation Hurdle
The panel also debated the feasibility of negotiating with Hapoel Haifa owner Yoav Katz over a potential mid-season transfer. While Kenal maintained that an opening for a deal usually exists, Saar remained skeptical about smooth dialogue with the Haifa leadership.
“What does feasibility mean?” Saar responded. “He turns to you to tell you ‘I am not interested in transferring that player to you.'”
Despite potential friction in club-to-club talks, Saar maintained a firm stance on the player’s overall capability, concluding that the defender possesses the quality required to perform for any major team in the country.
