Hapoel Be'er Sheva's Kings Kangwa Handles Transfer Pressure Amid Multiple Offers

Hapoel Be'er Sheva officially announced the transfer of midfielder Kings Kangwa to Greek club Panathinaikos on July 25, 2026. The club praised Kangwa's professionalism and resilience during a tense transfer saga, which included a failed move to AEK Athens. AEK had demanded that Kangwa not play for Be'er Sheva against Vikingur in the Champions League qualifiers as a condition for the transfer, but Kangwa defied the pressure by starting the match and scoring his team's only goal.

A club source highlighted Kangwa's ability to withstand "crazy pressures" from AEK and noted that not every player would have done the same. The source added that Kangwa ultimately sacrificed a direct Champions League opportunity to pursue success in the Conference League, showing maturity in knowing when to hold on and when to let go. Despite arriving ten days late to Panathinaikos' training, the club emphasized his commitment during a difficult period marked by conflict, praising his key role in Be'er Sheva's recent league and cup victories.

Interest in Kangwa extended beyond Greece, with offers from clubs in the United Arab Emirates, Brazil, the United States, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Russia, and other countries. Panathinaikos was ultimately chosen. Kangwa now aims to help Hapoel Be'er Sheva reach the group stage of a European competition while striving to win Panathinaikos' first league title since 2010, alongside a cup victory and a Conference League run. Be'er Sheva stands to benefit financially from the transfer through specific clauses in the deal.