Orian Goren Reportedly Chooses Israel After Talks With Football Association

Orian Goren has agreed to represent Israel after a weekend conversation involving Israel Football Association chairman Shino Zuares, the Barcelona midfielder and his parents, according to a report published on Sunday morning. The agreement follows an approach from the Czech national team. Goren also holds a Czech passport. An official announcement has not yet been issued. The report says Czech national team professional director Pavel Nedvěd had invited Goren for Nations League matches against Spain and Croatia. Israeli association leaders then pressed senior-team coach Ran Ben Shimon to contact the midfielder and make clear that he featured in Israel's plans. Goren's parents confirmed that the Czech option had been presented to the family. Ben Shimon had reservations about an immediate senior call-up because Goren currently plays in Spain's fourth tier, the report says. The midfielder returned to action for Barcelona Atlètic on Saturday. Zuares knows the family from Goren's time at Maccabi Petah Tikva, before his move to Barcelona. Goren is now expected to join Israel's squad for Nations League fixtures against Kosovo and Austria in about two weeks. The report names Eliel Peretz and Tai Baribo among the injured players affecting the Israeli squad. An official announcement of the representation decision is expected in the coming days; neither his selection nor a senior international appearance has been confirmed.