Hapoel Haifa Signs Young Malian Midfielder Sik Keita for Upcoming Season
Hapoel Haifa has agreed to terms with 20-year-old Malian defensive midfielder Sik Omar Keita ahead of the 2026/27 Israeli Premier League season. Keita, who recently played in the United Arab Emirates, is set to sign a one-year contract with an option for a second year, pending medical examinations.
The club announced that Keita impressed the coaching staff during recent training sessions and a friendly match against Maccabi Netanya. Born in 2005, Keita developed in a local youth academy in Mali before transferring in summer 2024 to Hatta Club, a second-division team in the UAE. During his time there, he made 16 appearances across all competitions, totaling 1,011 minutes, and recorded one assist in league play.
Hapoel Haifa is focusing on strengthening its young core this transfer window, having also signed players like Itay Zafrani, Tal Naim, and Sally Fahima. The club aims to bolster its defensive midfield position as part of its preparations for the upcoming season.
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