Emmanuel Iyoha Nears Deal With Cypriot Club Amid Maccabi Haifa Interest

Emmanuel Iyoha, a 25-year-old defender currently playing for Sturm Graz, is reportedly close to signing with Apollon Limassol in Cyprus, despite earlier reports linking him to Maccabi Haifa. Local Cypriot media claim that Apollon Limassol is in advanced negotiations with Iyoha and expects him to join the club, although competition for his signature remains and the deal is not finalized.

Sturm Graz's sporting director, Michael Färnsen, confirmed receiving multiple offers for their players but stated they have yet to receive an acceptable bid for Iyoha. Iyoha, who stands 1.85 meters tall, is a former Austrian youth international with a diverse club history. He was purchased by Cremonese from Rapid Vienna in 2022 for 3.5 million euros, then loaned to Birmingham City the following season. In summer 2024, he transferred to Sturm Graz for 1.6 million euros and helped the team win the Austrian Bundesliga title in the 2024/25 season.

Iyoha is eligible to represent Austria through his Austrian mother and has Nigerian heritage from his father. He has made 13 appearances and scored twice for Austria's youth national teams. Versatile on the field, he can play as a right back or defensive midfielder. Last season, he featured in 27 matches across all competitions for Sturm Graz, including starting in their UEFA Europa League campaign.

Maccabi Haifa continues to seek a foreign central defender in the transfer market, but Iyoha's potential move to Cyprus adds competition for his services. The situation remains fluid as negotiations progress.