Official: Stao Lamekin Signs with Twente for Three Years

Transfer Details

Stao Lamekin has officially signed a three-year contract with FC Twente, with an option for an additional season. The 22-year-old defender, who returned to Maccabi Tel Aviv on loan from Shakhtar Dstarttsk last season, has concluded his time with both the yellow-and-blue club and the Ukrainian side, making his way to the Dutch club. Despite receiving a significant offer from Colorado Rapids in Major League Soccer (MLS), Lamekin opted for the opportunity in the Netherlands.

Shakhtar retains a percentage of any future sale for Lamekin and has transferred him to Twente for €1.5 million. Additionally, his former club in Israel, Hapoel Tel Aviv, will receive €45,000 from the deal. Maccabi Tel Aviv, where Lamekin developed in the youth academy, is set to receive approximately €11,000.

Performance Insights

Maccabi Tel Aviv could have activated a buy option for Lamekin by April 10 for a fee of €1.6 million. However, Lamekin had limited opportunities on the field compared to other defenders on the squad. Following the expiration of the option, he significantly improved his performance under coach Žarko Lazić and emerged as start of the standout players during the championship playoff.

This marks Lamekin’s second venture into European football. At a young age, he achieved success in Ukraine, winning a championship title, which now complements his domestic success with Maccabi Tel Aviv during the 2024/25 season, in which he made a total of 28 appearances.

FC Twente Overview

Last season, FC Twente finished sixth in the Dutch league, accumulating 54 points over 34 matches, with a record of 16 wins, 9 draws, and 9 losses. The team scored 62 goals while conceding 49, a defensive statistic that Lamekin and his new teammates will aim to improve upon.

This move reflects Lamekin’s ambitions to further his career in European football and contribute significantly to his new team as they look to strengthen for the upcoming season