Jayden Braaf, the Dutch winger who came through Manchester City's academy without ever making a first-team appearance, arrived in Israel on Sunday evening to train with Hapoel Haifa, ONE reported, as the club weighs whether to hand the 23-year-old a contract.
Braaf has been without a club since his contract at Serie A side Hellas Verona was terminated by mutual consent in September 2025. He spent last season out on loan at Salernitana and has previously turned out for Udinese, Borussia Dortmund's reserve side and Fortuna Sittard, without ever cementing a regular starting role at senior level.
The Amsterdam-born forward, who also came through Ajax and PSV Eindhoven's youth ranks before City signed him, was capped by the Netherlands at under-15, under-17 and under-18 level and was part of the Dutch squad that won the UEFA European Under-17 Championship in 2019. He was also named Manchester City's EDS Players' Player of the Year for 2019-20.
The trial comes at an encouraging moment for Hapoel Haifa, who have won all three of their group games in the Toto Cup, the season-opening domestic competition, including a 3-2 derby victory over city rivals Maccabi Haifa and a 3-1 win over Ironi Tiberias, results that have them well placed heading into the semi-final stage.
But head coach Haim Silbas, who returned to the club for a second spell this year, made clear a trial is exactly that. "We're searching for players who make a difference," he said, according to ONE. "If he fits in all aspects, disciplinary and physical, then he'll stay here."
ONE noted that Braaf carries a mixed reputation, with disciplinary issues and injury setbacks having disrupted his career in Europe — factors Silbas is said to view as a genuine risk alongside the player's obvious technical ability.
No agreement has been reached, and ONE's report makes clear this is only an audition. Hapoel Haifa are expected to assess Braaf over training sessions in the coming days before deciding whether to pursue a permanent deal.
