Hapoel Petah Tikva Signs Hamido Keita as Replacement for Songa

Hapoel Petah Tikva has officially signed left winger Hamido Keita, who will serve as a replacement for the recently departed Chipiopka Songa. Keita, 31, joins the Israeli club as a free agent after being released by Azerbaijan's Araz Nakhchivan. He has signed a contract that will keep him with Hapoel Petah Tikva until the end of the season.

Keita, who is French, primarily plays on the left wing but can also operate on the right wing and as a central striker. His career includes stints with notable clubs such as Saint-Étienne in France, Qarabag in Azerbaijan, and Konyaspor in Turkey. Last season with Araz, he scored three goals and provided two assists in 33 appearances.

"I am happy to join Hapoel Petah Tikva and start a new chapter in my career," Keita stated after signing. "I look forward to starting work, integrating with the team, and contributing my experience and abilities to the club's success."

Hapoel Petah Tikva parted ways with Chipiopka Songa on Friday, who officially signed with Moreirense of Portugal for a reported fee of 700,000 euros. Keita is the fifth foreign player to join Hapoel Petah Tikva this season, alongside Karim Kimwidi, Franck Riboulié, Diego Arroyo, and Edmond Asante.