Alona Barkat Targets Major Reinforcements for Hapoel Be'er Sheva: "Leave Negotiations to Me"

Hapoel Be'er Sheva is set to strengthen its squad with at least two new players following their qualification for the Champions League playoffs after Tuesday's victory against Red Star Belgrade. Coach Ran Kozuch is actively seeking a center-back and a midfielder to replace Kings Kangwa, who was recently sold to Panathinaikos.

Owner Alona Barkat has pledged to allocate the necessary resources. For Kozuch, it is vital to bring in high-caliber players, as the team is guaranteed a spot in at least the Europa League, where the level of competition will be significantly higher. The club has two open slots for foreign players and intends to fill them, given the limited options currently available in the Israeli market.

Barkat did not specify a budget to the professional staff, instead requesting that they identify proven players whose arrival would provide a substantial boost to the team.

"Leave the negotiations to me," she instructed the staff as they continue their search.

Furthermore, the club will accelerate contract negotiations with midfielder Eliel Peretz, who has entered the final year of his deal, with the goal of securing a new, long-term, and improved contract for at least three years. Additionally, as reported by "HaYom," Lucas Ventura is expected to remain with the club, motivated by the upcoming European campaign. The Brazilian told his teammates in the locker room last night: "The Champions League compensates for any other offer that might have come my way. I am happy here."

Existing players have already secured significant bonuses for reaching the Champions League playoffs. If the team qualifies for the main tournament, these figures will increase. Barkat intends to grant bonuses even to those players whose contracts do not include specific clauses for European stages, and she plans to distribute these rewards immediately for reaching the current round.