Hapoel Jerusalem Set for Record Sale of John Automao to Rio Ave

Hapoel Jerusalem midfielder John Automao is close to being sold to Portuguese club Rio Ave for 1.8 million euros, which would be the highest transfer fee in the club’s history. Another offer is also under consideration, but Rio Ave is the most advanced option in the negotiations.

Automao, 19, arrived in Jerusalem last summer for the youth team, trained with the senior squad, impressed, and was promoted by coach Ziv Arie. He became one of the team’s standout players and drew attention from scouts across Europe.

Last season, Automao scored one goal in 21 appearances in all competitions. He recently signed with a leading European agency and is seeking a move to a stronger club and league, along with better financial terms. Hapoel Jerusalem also expects to benefit financially and plans to look for a foreign holding midfielder to reinforce the center of the pitch.

Rio Ave is owned by Vangelis Marinakis, who also owns Nottingham Forest and Olympiacos. The Portuguese club finished 12th last season and already has Harem Zouabi, another player who arrived from Hapoel Jerusalem.