Despite the desire to leave: Hapoel Be'er Sheva star is expected to continue with the team
The national champion has cautious optimism regarding the continuation of Lucas Ventura's path, who did not hide his ambitions to upgrade professionally and financially. Alona Barkat clarified to Ran Kozuch that she will allow him to sign two additional players.
There is cautious optimism at Hapoel Be'er Sheva regarding the continuation of midfielder Lucas Ventura's tenure. Although the Brazilian does want to advance to a bigger club abroad and earn more money, the success so far in Europe and the securing of one of the league stages, along with the fact that there are no suitable offers for him yet, is causing the champion to count on him for the 2026/27 season as well.
Coach Ran Kozuch recently conveyed a message to Ventura that he is counting on him, but will not cut him any slack in training regarding commitment. In one of the training sessions, Kozuch commented to Ventura and subsequently sent him to an early shower.
After Ventura clarified that his head is currently only in Be'er Sheva, it was decided to continue with him, and last night he was one of the standouts in the big victory over Red Star Belgrade (0:1). In the middle of last season, Ventura was acquired by Hapoel Be'er Sheva and received a financial upgrade. The player expected another upgrade, which is unlikely to come.
Meanwhile, at the club from the Negev capital, they understand that reaching the Champions League playoff stage has become possible. So far, Be'er Sheva has secured about 350,000 euros for the mere participation in two Champions League qualifying rounds, but if they pass Red Star, the amount will grow to 4.2 million euros if they reach the playoff stage.
Owner Alona Barkat clarified to Ran Kozuch that she will allow him to strengthen the squad with at least two more players, with the center-back position currently at the top of the priority list, and the search for a foreign player who will upgrade the center of the defense is still ongoing.
So far, there is satisfaction with the new defender Itay Rotman, who may also start in the return leg against the Serbian champion. Last night, after the game, Rotman felt cramps in his calf muscle, and today (Wednesday) he will be examined and will undergo treatments until the return leg in about a week.
