Jamaican international Javon East has taken the next step in his professional career, signing an 18-month contract with Israeli club Hapoel Haifa FC. The move marks a new chapter for the Reggae Boyz forward, who departs Costa Rican giants Deportivo Saprissa after a highly successful stint.

East, 28, enjoyed two and a half prolific years at Saprissa, where he became a fan favourite. The Jamaican scored 54 goals in 144 appearances, helping the club secure six titles since joining in July 2022 from Santos de Guápiles for €325,000.

Now, East joins Hapoel Haifa FC, a historic club in Israeli football. Known as “The Sharks,” the club has won one league championship (1998–99) and four Israeli Cups (1962–63, 1965–66, 1973–74, and 2017–18). Hapoel Haifa plays its home games at the 30,942-seat Sammy Ofer Stadium, which it shares with city rivals Maccabi Haifa.

The move to Israel provides East with a fresh challenge in a competitive league, where he will aim to bolster Hapoel Haifa’s attack and make an impact in European football.

East, who made his Reggae Boyz debut in 2018, has earned 20 caps, scoring two international goals. His last appearance for Jamaica came against Costa Rica in 2022, but with this move to Israel, he will be hoping to catch the attention of the national selectors once again.