Bayern Munich Doctor’s Medical Report Key to Hapoel Tel Aviv’s Record Signing of Douglas Awo

Hapoel Tel Aviv’s historic signing of midfielder Douglas Awo was significantly influenced by a medical report signed by Bayern Munich’s chief doctor. On July 6, the German club’s doctor conducted an MRI scan on Awo’s knee, confirming he was fully fit. This came after rumors that Awo had failed medical tests at Viktoria Plzen, who had agreed to a 3.3 million euro transfer. To clear doubts, Awo personally traveled to Munich at his own expense for the examination, which showed no knee issues.

Awo presented the Bayern medical report to Hapoel Tel Aviv officials, convincing them to proceed quickly with negotiations. The club also conducted comprehensive tests on both his knees, including an MRI in Serbia, which confirmed the Munich findings. Orthopedic experts in Israel and a specialist in Belgrade reviewed the data and confirmed his fitness.

Awo chose to wear the number 35 jersey, honoring his late mother who passed away at that age after a long illness. After signing, he traveled with Hapoel’s CEO Guy Primor and deputy CEO Erez Naaman to Belgrade for administrative matters and medical checks ahead of the upcoming match against Polish side Katowice. Although registered for the two matches against Katowice, Awo arrived late and will not be part of the squad for the first game. Hapoel decided to remain in Hungary after the match to focus on preparation for the Conference League playoff game rather than returning to Israel.

The team is expected to field the same lineup as in their recent match against Ludogorets in Bulgaria, hoping Emmanuel Boateng, who scored twice in that game, will continue his strong form.