John Otomewo: Nigerian midfielder joins Stade Reims from Hapoel Jerusalem in €1.6m deal

Stade Reims have signed Nigerian defensive midfielder John Otomewo from Hapoel Jerusalem in a permanent transfer worth €1.6m.

The 19-year-old, born in Sapele and standing at 1.86m, moves to the French club after establishing himself in Israel’s top flight last season. He joins Reims’ midfield ranks having built a reputation as a right‐footed holding player capable of anchoring the centre of the pitch.

Otomewo only broke into senior football in 2025, stepping up from Hapoel Jerusalem’s Under-19 side after arriving there from Nigerian club Gombe United earlier that year. Before that, he had been on the books of Abia Comets FC in his home country.

In his first full campaign in Israel, he featured regularly in the Ligat ha’Al, including both the regular season and the relegation round, amassing almost 1,600 minutes of competitive action across league and cup. He also scored once in the State Cup, underlining his ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch.

His performances helped lift his market value to €2m, prompting interest from abroad and culminating in Reims moving to secure his services ahead of the new Ligue 2 season.

Otomewo has joined Stade Reims with immediate effect following the completion of the €1.6m transfer from Hapoel Jerusalem.