Agent Alexander Quaye has in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa opened up on Vincent Klu Adjei’s move to FC Basel and his subsequent loan switch to Austria Wien.
The 18-year-old midfielder joined Basel from Ghana Premier League side Berekum Chelsea in August, signing a four-year contract with the Swiss club.
Quaye revealed that the move had been in the works for several months, with Basel’s long-standing relationship with Berekum Chelsea helping to put Adjei on the club’s radar.
“Basel over the years has established a relationship with Berekum Chelsea and have signed a few of their players in the past. The club’s scouts have as a result kept an eye on the young players in the club over the last few years,” Quaye told Footy-Africa.
Adjei’s performances in the Ghana Premier League eventually attracted the attention of Basel, who invited him for a trial last October.
The Swiss club were impressed with the teenager but decided to wait until he turned 18 before offering him a professional contract.
“They were impressed and decided to wait until he turned 18 to offer him a professional contract,” Quaye said.
Adjei eventually completed the move in August, signing a four-year deal that will keep him at Basel until 2030.
The midfielder has since been loaned to Austria Wien, with the move intended to continue his development rather than provide a route to a permanent transfer.
Quaye believes the Austrian club offers the right environment for Adjei to work on the areas of his game that still need improvement.
“He has developed to his max potential but there are several areas of his game that need improvement and I believe that he’ll benefit from a club with a good structure and track record of developing young players,” he said.
Footy-Africa understands that there is no option for Austria Wien to sign Adjei permanently at the end of the loan spell.
The Ghanaian will join Austria Wien’s youth team as he continues his development before returning to Basel.
Quaye also hopes the youngster can use the experience to grow both as a footballer and as a person.
“This relationship has given opportunities to others in the past and we hope that Vincent will take this opportunity and develop himself as both a player and person,” he said.
Adjei made 66 Ghana Premier League appearances and scored three goals during his three-season spell with Berekum Chelsea before earning his move to Switzerland.
His journey from Berekum Chelsea to Basel and now Austria Wien is the latest step in a pathway that Quaye believes can help the youngster reach his full potential.
