Hapoel Tel Aviv Signs Douglas Awusu After Extensive Medical Checks and Negotiations

Douglas Awusu has officially joined Hapoel Tel Aviv, signing a four-year contract on August 5, 2026, for a transfer fee of 2.2 million euros paid to Red Star Belgrade. The deal could rise to 2.4 million euros with performance-related bonuses. Part of the payment was offset by waiving a future fee Red Star owed Hapoel for Luizão, Awusu's predecessor. Awusu's contract notably does not include a release clause.

The transfer process began after complications with Awusu's initial club in Ukraine, which attempted to pay in cryptocurrency, causing the deal to collapse. Hapoel Tel Aviv entered negotiations once it was clear the Ukrainian transfer would not proceed. Early medical tests in the Czech Republic reportedly failed, but Awusu independently sought a second opinion from Bayern Munich's doctor, who confirmed his fitness. Hapoel Tel Aviv then conducted their own thorough medical examinations, including sending Awusu to Belgrade for additional tests reviewed by Israeli experts, all confirming his health.

Awusu, a 20-year-old Ghanaian forward, is known for his strong character and impressive physical attributes. He is expected to significantly strengthen Hapoel's squad without displacing current player Stav Turiel, with whom the club hopes Awusu will form a productive partnership. The player was encouraged to join by teammates Emmanuel Boateng and Luizão, who praised the club and helped facilitate the transfer.

The signing marks one of the most significant in Hapoel Tel Aviv's history, involving careful financial arrangements, medical scrutiny, and strategic planning to integrate Awusu into the team ahead of the upcoming season.