Maccabi Haifa has secured the signing of Ivorian midfielder Cédric Franck Don from Hapoel Jerusalem, in a deal that marks the club’s most expensive transfer to date.
The 21-year-old officially joined the Israeli Ligat Ha’Al side this winter, with a contract running until 2030.
The transfer fee is reported to be €1.5 million, allowing Don to continue playing in Israel while making a high-profile move that has generated significant excitement among fans.
Don, who progressed through the youth system at Jeunesse Club d’Abidjan before moving to Israel, made 115 appearances for Hapoel Jerusalem.
During that period, he scored 18 goals and registered three assists, demonstrating his ability to influence matches from midfield.
Speaking after completing the transfer, Don expressed his enthusiasm for the next step in his career. “I’m very excited to sign for Maccabi Haifa.
It’s a great challenge for me. I saw the Maccabi fans at the Sammy Ofer Stadium, it’s incredible, and I can’t wait to see them in the green jersey.
Go Maccabi, green on!” he said on the club’s official website.
Maccabi Haifa confirmed the signing through its official channels, highlighting the young midfielder’s potential to make an immediate impact.
The club, currently fourth in the Ligat Ha’Al, hopes that Don’s arrival will strengthen its midfield and help propel them up the league table.
The move concludes months of speculation, with Don having been linked to several clubs since last summer.
His transfer underscores Maccabi Haifa’s ambition in the domestic league and represents a significant investment in a player seen as one of the most promising talents in Israeli football.
Fans and analysts will now watch closely to see how quickly Don adapts to his new surroundings and whether he can replicate the form that made him a standout figure at Hapoel Jerusalem.
His arrival also reflects a broader trend of Israeli clubs increasingly investing in young African talent to boost competitiveness at both domestic and continental levels.
