Sami Adam Returns to Hapoel Tel Aviv After Complex International Transfer Saga

Sami Adam, a 21-year-old forward, has rejoined Hapoel Tel Aviv just before the transfer window closed, following a complicated journey involving Ukraine, Ethiopia, and Israel. Adam, who grew up in Hapoel Tel Aviv's youth academy and was loaned to Maccabi Jaffa last season, is now available for coach Eliniv Barda.

The return is the culmination of a complex situation that began in January. Adam was supposed to be loaned to Kryvbas, a Ukrainian club, but faced visa issues due to a temporary Sudanese passport. Kryvbas wanted to resolve this by having him obtain a permanent passport, either Sudanese or Israeli. Obtaining a permanent Israeli passport was a lengthy process, so Adam traveled to Ethiopia for three weeks to secure a Sudanese passport.

However, upon returning to Israel from Ethiopia, bureaucratic hurdles prevented his entry into Ukraine. After a six-month wait, Kryvbas signed another player for Adam's position and stopped waiting for the situation to resolve. Consequently, Adam has returned to Hapoel Tel Aviv, at least until January, and can train with the team.

Adam, born in Israel to Sudanese parents, holds Israeli citizenship and a Sudanese passport. He made his senior debut for Hapoel Tel Aviv in May 2024 and played for Maccabi Jaffa in the National League during the 2024-25 season, scoring two goals.