Braaf joins Hapoel Haifa training, Agada remains in the picture
The 23-year-old Dutch winger, formerly of Manchester City and Serie A, is on trial at Hapoel Haifa. Despite Alon Turgeman's strong form, the club continues to seek an additional striker.
Dutch winger Jayden Braaf arrived in Israel on Sunday and joined Hapoel Haifa's training session this morning as part of a trial period.
The 23-year-old, who is capable of playing as a striker and in various attacking roles, will look to impress the coaching staff. He is expected to feature in the team's final Toto Cup group stage match this Saturday against Ironi Kiryat Shmona.
Braaf brings an intriguing resume to the club. He scored two goals in three appearances for the Netherlands U18 national team, netted 12 goals for Manchester City's U23 side, and later played in Serie A for Udinese and Salernitana, as well as in the Dutch league for Fortuna Sittard.
During the 2024/25 season, he played for Salernitana in Serie B, scoring two goals in 16 appearances. Last season, he returned to the Verona squad but was released in September and has not played officially since. His career has also been hampered by a severe knee injury that sidelined him for over a year.
Meanwhile, Hapoel Haifa continues to work on strengthening its front line. While the club is very pleased with the recent form shown by Alon Turgeman, the coaching staff remains interested in adding another striker before the season kicks off.
The preferred candidate for the professionals remains William Agada, and the club hopes to advance negotiations for his signing in the near future.
