Nigerian teenage defender Aliyu Alhassan has completed a move to Hungarian club ZTE FC from Ikonnect FC, on three year deal Footy-Africa can exclusively report.
The 18-year-old central defender joined ZTE FC after a successful trial, with negotiations between the Hungarian club and Ikonnect FC preceding the completion of the transfer, according to a source familiar with the deal.
Footy-Africa understands that Alhassan has signed a three-year contract with ZTE FC, with an option for an additional year.
The defender will initially join the club’s Under-19 team as he continues his development in Hungary, but his early involvement with the ZTEFC II suggests he has already caught the attention of the club’s technical staff.
Born in 2008, Alhassan has already been included in ZTE FC’s league squad despite his spending few time at the Club. The physically strong centre-back was part of the team’s squad for the league fixture against Credobus Mosonmagyaróvár, an indication of the club’s plans to expose and develop him with the U19 side.
Alhassan’s move to Hungary provides him with an opportunity to follow a pathway that has previously produced young Nigerian talent at ZTE FC.
The youngster will be hoping to emulate the progress of fellow Nigerian defender Victory Akpe, who developed at the Hungarian club and went on to become an important figure for the first team before securing a move to Swiss side FC Basel.
Akpe’s performances during his time in Hungary also earned him recognition at international level, with the defender subsequently receiving a call-up to the Nigeria senior national team.
For Alhassan, the immediate objective will be to establish himself within ZTE FC’s youth setup while aiming for opportunities to train and compete around the senior squad.
The move also represents another important step for Ikonnect FC in providing a pathway for young Nigerian players to continue their careers in Europe, with Alhassan now tasked with making the most of his opportunity in Hungary.
