Beitar Jerusalem Faces Key Roster Decisions With Expiring Contracts

During the international break, Beitar Jerusalem is already planning for the long-term future and preparing to make difficult decisions regarding several key players whose contracts are set to expire at the end of the season. Following recent contract extensions for Luka Gadrani and Liel Dery, club management and the coaching staff are looking to secure the futures of several other core squad members.

The most prominent player entering the final months of his current deal is star midfielder Omer Atzili. Arriving in Jerusalem two years ago in a high-profile move, the veteran player will turn 34 next summer, yet he continues to deliver consistent goals and assists. Both the player and the club have expressed a mutual desire to extend their partnership for upcoming seasons.

Roster Decisions and Goalkeeping Dilemma

Another player facing an expiring contract is defender Yordan Cohen, who is working his way back from an injury following the break. Now in his second season with the capital club, Cohen commands strong appreciation from the technical staff, who want to keep him for another year. Meanwhile, defender Gil Cohen is also nearing the end of his deal, though his future remains more open after transitioning from a starting center-back to a substitute role since joining the club two and a half years ago.

The club faces critical choices in the goal as well, with both starting goalkeeper Miguel Silva and backup Yoni Ozer having signed one-year extensions last summer. Both netminders enjoy strong backing from Almog Cohen. Fellow defender Bryan Karbali is also out of contract in the summer, but Beitar holds a unilateral option to extend his stay by an additional year and aims to negotiate a longer-term agreement. Additionally, loanee Ori Azo is scheduled to return to Maccabi Tel Aviv at the end of the season, though Beitar holds a buyout option to acquire him permanently for one million shekels.