The summer transfer window of Ethiopian Premier League opened on July 8 with big clubs busy scouting players from the topflight while others turning their eyes to the second and third leagues.
Three vital Ethiopia Coffee players, Mesud Mohammed (Capt.), and Tilahun Wolde are rumored to be leaving the club early and sign for rival clubs. However, Ethiopian national team midfielder Elias Mamo, who plays for Ethiopia Coffee, has extended his contract for two years.
Elsewhere, the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia midfielder Abdulkarim Hassan has signed a two-year contract with Ethiopia Coffee while Tilahun Wolde is on his way to join Electric. CBE and Defense are eyeing Mesud to strengthen their midfield. Meanwhile, Coffee’s Serbian coach, Dragan Popadic has parted ways with the club.
Combative midfielder Gatoch Panom will continue with Coffee while center back Ephrem Wondesen extended his contract. Winger Aschalew Girma returned to his former club Ethiopia Coffee after one year staying in Hawassa City.
Elsewhere, 4th placed Dedebit FC has signed former Harar City, Ethiopia Coffee and CBE attacking midfield player Efrem Ashamo. Efrem has signed a two-year contract with the Blues after he left CBE staying with them for the last two EPL seasons. Meanwhile, former national team coach, Yohannes Sahle, returned to Dedebit Fc after he left for the Walias in May.
The 2012/13 EPL season champions Dedebit will mainly focus on foreign players. Dedebit will be looking for players in attacking and midfield positions. The Nigerian striker, Samuel Sanumi, is also looking for clubs abroad.
Meanwhile, the 2017 CAF Confederation Cup participants Defense FC have signed Ethiopian national team and Mugher Cement custodian Abel Mamo on a two-year deal. Midfielder Ferew Solomon, goalie Jemal Tasew and forward Mulalem Tilahun have all been linked with different clubs. Frew Solomon has been linked with the champions Saint George FC.
Arba Minch City player Tadele Mangesha is on top of Ethiopian champions Saint George wish list.
Wolaitta Dicha coach Mesay Teferi turned his face to the higher and national leagues to recruit new players. Dicha took the last resort of signing players from the second and third tier leagues. Coach Mesay is currently attending higher league games and he is expected to attend the National League playoff which is set to be played in Batu. The Boditi-based club has held talks with players who are out of contract.