Hapoel Tel Aviv Signs Douglas Owusu Despite Higher Saudi Offer, Agent Reveals

Hapoel Tel Aviv completed a major signing this week by acquiring Ghanaian winger Douglas Owusu for 2.2 million euros, marking one of the club's biggest deals. Owusu's agent, Stav Hachmon, detailed the lengthy negotiations and challenges in an interview with Sport 5's "5 BaAvir" program on August 6, 2026.

Hachmon clarified that although there were rumors about Maccabi Tel Aviv's interest, no official offer was made. He explained that after initial contacts with other clubs, including Viktoria Plzen and Metalist Kharkiv, fell through due to external factors such as sponsorship issues and geopolitical concerns, Owusu was open to moving to Israel. Swansea City and clubs from Ukraine and Saudi Arabia also showed interest, with the Saudi offer reportedly five times higher than Hapoel's.

Medical concerns were addressed thoroughly before the deal was finalized. Multiple medical evaluations, including MRIs reviewed by doctors from Bayern Munich, the Serbian national team, and Israeli medical staff, confirmed Owusu's fitness. Hachmon praised Hapoel's vice president, Erez Naaman, and sports director Guy Primor for their decisive roles in overcoming these hurdles.

The agent also credited coach Aliniv Bereda for personally convincing Owusu about the club's vision and future prospects, which influenced the player's decision to accept a lower financial offer. Owusu's family reportedly trusted the club's management, which was a key factor in the signing.

This transfer highlights the complex interplay of financial, medical, and personal considerations in international football transfers, especially amid geopolitical complications affecting clubs like Metalist Kharkiv.