Haifa add Osman to their ranks

UEFA Champions League hopefuls Maccabi Haifa FC have strengthened their squad with the signing of full-back Ali Osman from Bnei Sakhnin FC for a fee believed to be in the region of €350,000.

Dream come true
Osman, who arrives as cover for Eyal Meshumar on the right side of Haifa's defence, rejoins former Sakhnin coach Elisha Levi at last season's Israeli champions. "I am delighted to join the biggest club in Israel," Osman said. "Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to be in the Champions League so soon. I will do my best to learn the Champions League anthem by the time we host Bayern München." Haifa were drawn alongside Bayern, who they open against on 15 September, Juventus and FC Girondins de Bordeaux in UEFA Champions League Group A.