Yonas Malede joins Hapoel Beer Sheva as Israeli-Ethiopian forward switches clubs

Israel-Ethiopia centre-forward Yonas Malede has joined Hapoel Beer Sheva from Maccabi Tel Aviv for €100,000, completing a move between two Ligat ha’Al clubs.

Malede, 26, has signed a contract with Hapoel Beer Sheva until 30 June 2029. The 1.89m striker is right-footed and moves to his new club after two-and-a-half years with Maccabi Tel Aviv.

He joined Maccabi from Belgian side KV Mechelen in January 2024 for €350,000. Malede had previously spent time with KAA Gent, whom he joined from Maccabi Netanya in January 2021 for €1.5m, before moving to Mechelen on a free transfer in July 2022.

During his spell at Maccabi Tel Aviv, Malede was part of the squad that won consecutive Israeli league titles in the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons. He also collected an Israeli Cup winners’ medal in 2025-26.

His honours list also includes a Belgian Cup triumph with KAA Gent in 2022, giving him domestic silverware in both Israel and Belgium before his move to Beer Sheva.

Malede leaves Maccabi after making no appearances in the opening UEFA Europa League qualifying matches or the Israeli Super Cup this season. He now joins a Hapoel Beer Sheva side competing in both domestic football and European qualifying.

The forward began his senior career with Maccabi Netanya after progressing from the club’s under-19 team. His move to KAA Gent was his first transfer outside Israel, followed by spells at Mechelen and Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Born in Kiryat Bialik on 14 November 1999, Malede represents the Israeli-Ethiopian footballing community and brings experience of top-flight football in Israel and Belgium to his new club.

Malede’s transfer to Hapoel Beer Sheva was completed on 16 August 2026, with his contract running through June 2029.