Report: Diarra close to Kasımpaşa, not Hapoel Tel Aviv

Hapoel Tel Aviv had hoped to sign winger Tiemoko Diarra, but a report from Turkey on Wednesday says he is on the verge of joining Kasımpaşa instead. According to the report, the former Hapoel Haifa player, who spent this season at Reims, has already agreed personal terms with the Turkish top-flight club.

The deal between Hapoel Tel Aviv and Reims had reportedly been settled, and Diarra was expected to be the Reds’ marquee summer signing. He had been in advanced talks with the Israeli club, but never finalized his own contract terms, and now appears headed for Kasımpaşa.

Kasımpaşa finished 13th in Turkey last season and will not play in Europe this year. Diarra, 23, made 29 appearances in all competitions for Reims this season, after the French club finished sixth in Ligue 2, and he scored four goals with four assists. He was loaned to Hapoel Haifa in the 2024/25 season, scoring seven goals.

Born in Mali, Diarra joined Reims at a young age and was first loaned to Châteauroux, where he posted six goals and five assists in France’s third division. Before moving to Hapoel Haifa, he also stood out for Mali’s Olympic team at the Paris 2024 Games, including against Israel.