Mohammad Abu Fani joins Red Star Belgrade on three-year deal

Israeli national team midfielder Mohammad Abu Fani was officially unveiled on Saturday by Red Star Belgrade after signing a three-year contract with an option for one more season. He will wear No. 15. Red Star will pay Ferencvaros 1.2 million euros, plus another 300,000 euros in bonuses, while Abu Fani is set to earn 650,000 euros net per season.

At the signing ceremony, Abu Fani said, “I am very happy to be here and to sign for such a big club, I have no words.” He added that it was “an amazing feeling” to be at the stadium and called it an honor and a pleasure to become part of the club. Abu Fani said he already knew Red Star from when he played there with Maccabi Haifa in Champions League qualifying and saw the stadium and fans. He said that when Dejan Stankovic called him, “there were no doubts at all, I immediately said I’m coming,” and praised the coach as an outstanding professional and former great player.

Abu Fani said his goal is to win trophies every year and secure a place in the Champions League, calling it his dream to play in the competition with Red Star. The midfielder came through Maccabi Haifa’s youth system, made his senior debut there, and also had loan spells at Hapoel Ramat Gan and Hapoel Hadera before returning. He stayed at Maccabi Haifa until 2023, then moved to Ferencvaros.

Last season he made 25 appearances for the Hungarian club, scoring four goals and adding 10 assists. Abu Fani debuted for Israel in 2020 and has since made 33 international appearances and scored four goals.