Hapoel Tel Aviv's Record Signing Douglas Owusu Shows Early Promise

Hapoel Tel Aviv has acquired young talent Douglas Owusu for approximately 2.2 million euros, making him the club's most expensive signing ever on a four-year contract. Owusu has already made a significant impact, scoring three goals in his first six appearances for the Israeli club. His impressive form is being contrasted with his previous stint at Red Star Belgrade, where he played 13 games, scored twice, and provided an assist after arriving at age 19 in January 2026. At Red Star, a club with high expectations, there was little room for a lengthy development process. "Owusu arrived at Red Star before he turned 20, and it's a club where if you don't win the championship, it's considered a failure. There isn't much time to waste there and not much room for mistakes or attempts. He started well, but then stopped. Stanković was quick to give up on him like he did with other players, he didn't have patience and that was a problem. Owusu just needed more time," said a source from Red Star, suggesting the club may have sold him too soon. The source also mentioned that a 3.5 million euro offer from Viktoria Plzeň fell through, possibly due to agent demands in addition to reported medical issues. Maccabi Tel Aviv also considered signing Owusu, but delays related to their roster of foreign players prevented a formal offer. Hapoel Tel Aviv was able to secure the transfer after Owusu's move to Metalist Kharkiv collapsed due to financial transfer difficulties. Hapoel coach Eliniv Barda believes in Owusu's potential, stating, "I expect more from him, he can take on much more. I will push him there and won't give up on him at any stage." Barda also noted that Owusu's early integration, partly due to an injury to another player, helped him adapt. He sees Owusu as a different player than former Hapoel star Luizão, but with a very high ceiling. Owusu is also benefiting from the presence of his compatriot from Ghana, Emmanuel Boateng, who is helping him settle into his new environment. Barda reiterated his belief in Owusu's potential, acknowledging that while the 20-year-old needs development, Hapoel has secured a promising attacking player for the future.