Hapoel Tel Aviv Nears Record Signing of Douglas Avoso from Red Star Belgrade

Hapoel Tel Aviv is on the verge of completing the most expensive signing in its history by acquiring 20-year-old winger Douglas Avoso from Red Star Belgrade. The player is expected to sign a four-year contract, with club CEO Guy Primor currently in Serbia finalizing the deal. The transfer fee is estimated between 2.2 and 2.5 million euros, making Avoso one of the highest-paid players in coach Aliniv Breda's squad.

The deal was facilitated by a creative debt offset arrangement linked to the transfer of Louizos Louizo, who moved from Tel Aviv to Belgrade this summer. Red Star owed Hapoel approximately 2 million euros from that transaction, and Hapoel agreed to offset this debt against Avoso's transfer costs. This financial arrangement reduced the net payment for Louizo to about one million euros.

Avoso is expected to replace Louizo on the wings at Hapoel Tel Aviv. Previously, in May, Avoso nearly transferred to Czech club Viktoria Plzen for 3.3 million euros, but the move fell through after he failed medical tests. Hapoel is now conducting thorough medical examinations to ensure his fitness. Known for his dribbling skills, explosive speed, and attacking versatility, Avoso primarily played as a right winger but can also operate as an attacking midfielder or in other forward positions. The coaching staff plans to integrate him quickly into the team's tactical setup for the upcoming season.