Forson Amankwah makes Europa League move as Norwich sanction Hapoel Be’er Sheva loan

Ghana midfielder Forson Amankwah is set to leave Norwich City on loan, with Israeli side Hapoel Be’er Sheva closing in on a deal to take the 23-year-old for the 2026/27 season.

The move will see Amankwah spend the campaign in Israel without a purchase option, meaning he is expected to return to Norwich when the loan expires next summer.

The switch is aimed at giving the Ghanaian the regular first-team football he has struggled to secure since arriving at Carrow Road from Red Bull Salzburg in August 2024.

Amankwah picks Europa League football

Amankwah attracted interest from several clubs, including Blackburn Rovers, Derby County and teams in Germany, but ultimately opted for Hapoel Be’er Sheva after being persuaded by the prospect of European football and a prominent role in the team.

A key factor behind his decision was the opportunity to feature in the Europa League League Phase, where Hapoel Be’er Sheva will face a demanding schedule against clubs including Bournemouth, Juventus and Union Saint-Gilloise.

The Israeli club narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification but will now compete in Europe’s second-tier competition, giving Amankwah an opportunity to test himself against high-level opposition while building the consistency he needs.

Hapoel Be’er Sheva’s coaching staff see the midfielder as an important part of their plans and are expected to give him a significant role during the campaign.

Norwich still believe in Ghanaian midfielder

Amankwah joined Norwich on a four-year contract in 2024, with the Championship club also retaining an option to extend his stay by another year.

However, his time in England has been disrupted by injuries and a lack of sustained opportunities, preventing him from establishing himself as a regular member of the first team.

Norwich remain convinced of his potential and view the loan as a development opportunity rather than a step towards a permanent departure.

The Canaries believe a full season of competitive football will help Amankwah improve physically, regain his rhythm and develop the consistency required to compete for a bigger role when he returns.

The midfielder’s spell in Israel will therefore serve two purposes: providing Hapoel Be’er Sheva with an additional midfield option for a demanding domestic and European campaign while allowing Norwich to monitor the progress of a player they continue to rate highly.

For Amankwah, the move represents a chance to put injuries and inconsistent playing time behind him and make the most of a season that could also bring valuable European experience.