Hapoel Jerusalem Midfielder John Otomao Set to Sign with French Club Reims

John Otomao, a 19-year-old Nigerian defensive midfielder from Hapoel Jerusalem, has flown to France to finalize a transfer to Stade de Reims. The deal, reported on July 14, 2026, is expected to bring Hapoel Jerusalem a record fee of 1.6 million euros, making it the largest sale in the club's history. This surpasses the previous record of 1.5 million euros received for midfielder Cedric Don's transfer to Maccabi Haifa earlier this year.

Otomao joined Hapoel Jerusalem's youth team last summer after being scouted at a talent tournament in Nigeria and brought to Israel by agent Dudi Uziel. While playing for the youth squad, he trained with the senior team and secured a regular starting position due to injuries in the first team, making 19 league appearances all as a starter.

According to reports from "Footmercato," Otomao attracted interest from several European clubs, including Porto, Benfica, Lorient, and some Premier League teams. The transfer fee is confirmed by Transfermarkt as the highest ever for Hapoel Jerusalem.

Other notable transfers from Hapoel Jerusalem include Lior Kassa's 1.1 million euro move to Maccabi Haifa, Karam Zoabi's 900,000 euro transfer to Rio Ave in Portugal, and Goni Naor's 543,000 euro sale to Maccabi Haifa. The club's history of player sales reflects its growing reputation as a talent developer in Israeli football.