Nigerian defensive midfielder John Otomewo in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa has opened up on his record-breaking transfer to French Ligue 2 side Stade de Reims from Israeli top-flight club Hapoel Jerusalem.
Reims completed a permanent transfer deal for the 19-year-old worth €1.6 million, eclipsing Hapoel Jerusalem’s previous record sale of €1.5 million set when Ivorian forward Cédric Don moved to Maccabi Haifa.
Hailed as one of the finest young midfielders to emerge from Nigeria recently, Otomewo attracted interest from clubs across the Netherlands, Germany, and Switzerland.
Despite strong overtures, he elected to continue his career in France. In an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa, Otomewo cited development and a conducive environment behind his decision.
“I had many suitors, but I feel good about this move. It has been positive so far, and personally, I think it is an important step for me,” he said. “The reason I chose Stade de Reims is that they have the right conditions for me to grow and improve. It represents a different level of growth for my career.”
“As a young player, you must seek the best environment to excel. Although there were other options available, which I prefer not to mention, Stade de Reims was the best choice in my opinion. Hopefully, my expectation this season is to help the team gain promotion to French Ligue 1 and also have a great season from an individual perspective,” he added.
The Sapele-born midfielder signed a five-year contract with French Ligue 2 side until June 2031.
Standing at 1.86 metres, he arrives after helping Hapoel Jerusalem avoid relegation, performances that earned recognition from the CIES Football Observatory, which ranked him among the top U21 midfielders outside Europe’s five major leagues.
Otomewo began at Abia Comets, moved to Gombe United, then Hapoel Jerusalem, before his recent move to France.
At Reims, he joins compatriot Hafiz Ibrahim as the club pursues an immediate return to Ligue 1 as he has already featured twice in the Ligue 2 campaign.
