Hapoel Jerusalem's John Otomao Sparks Buzz After Posting a Maccabi Haifa Shirt

John Otomao, the 19-year-old Nigerian midfielder who broke through at Hapoel Jerusalem last season, caused a stir on Monday after posting an Instagram story from training in his home country during the break. In the photo, he was wearing a Maccabi Haifa shirt, which immediately prompted speculation online.

The explanation was simple. Otomao had swapped shirts with a Maccabi Haifa player after one of Hapoel Jerusalem’s matches against the green side last season, and the image had nothing to do with any transfer development. There are no talks between Hapoel Jerusalem and Maccabi Haifa.

Otomao arrived last summer for Hapoel Jerusalem’s youth team, was thrown straight into the first-team lineup on his senior debut in the derby against Beitar Jerusalem, and remained a regular starter through the end of the season. His strong performances have attracted significant interest from several clubs in Europe.

At Hapoel Jerusalem, officials believe his time at the club is nearing its end and expect a substantial offer soon, one that would allow them to maximize his sale value. The club is hoping for a move similar to Cedric Don, its previous major departure, who later joined Maccabi Haifa.