Nigeria defensive midfielder John Otomewo has joined Stade Reims from Hapoel Jerusalem in a €1.6m transfer. The 19-year-old moves to the French club after establishing himself in the Israeli top flight last season.
Otomewo, who was born in Sapele and stands at 1.86m, arrives in Reims as a specialist defensive midfielder, adding height and physical presence at the base of midfield. The right-footer joins on a permanent deal after his move was completed on 16 July 2026.
He leaves Hapoel Jerusalem having broken into the first team during the 2025-26 campaign, following an initial spell with the club’s U19 side. Otomewo stepped up to senior football in Israel in December 2025, less than three months after arriving from Nigerian club Gombe United.
During his time in Israel, he featured regularly in the Ligat ha’Al and its relegation round, making 19 league appearances and playing more than 1,500 minutes in total. He also scored once in two outings in the State Cup, underlining his ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch.
Before moving abroad, Otomewo came through the ranks in Nigeria, including a stint with Abia Comets FC prior to his switch to Gombe United. His development over that period has been reflected in a current estimated market value of €2m.
Otomewo now begins the next stage of his career in France, joining Reims’ midfield group ahead of their Ligue 2 campaign following his confirmed transfer from Hapoel Jerusalem.
