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

Stade Reims have signed Nigeria defensive midfielder John Otomewo from Hapoel Jerusalem in a permanent deal worth €1.6m. The 19-year-old, who was born in Sapele and stands at 1.86m, joins the French club after a breakthrough season in Israel’s top flight.

Otomewo, a right-footed holding midfielder, moves to Reims after establishing himself in Ligat ha’Al with Hapoel Jerusalem. He joined the senior side from their under-19 team in December 2025 and quickly became a regular, earning a transfer that now values him at €2m.

Last season he featured across league and cup competitions in Israel, making 19 appearances in total. He played 13 times in the regular Ligat ha’Al campaign and a further six matches in the relegation round, amassing more than 1,500 minutes of senior football. He also scored once in two appearances in the State Cup.

Before moving to Israel, Otomewo developed his game in Nigeria with Abia Comets FC and Gombe United, stepping into overseas football when he joined Hapoel Jerusalem’s youth set-up in September 2025 on a free transfer. Within a year he had progressed to the first team and attracted interest from abroad with his performances at the base of midfield.

Otomewo officially joined Stade Reims on 16 July 2026 and will now continue his career in Ligue 2 following his transfer from Hapoel Jerusalem.