The Gambian football enthusiasts have been buzzing with excitement after the announcement of Alagie Wally’s move from Hawks FC to Ukrainian first-tier club, NK Veres Rivne from Hawks FC in July 2025.
Wally has signed a long-term five-year contract with the club. As one of the most promising talents to emerge from The Gambia, his move to Ukraine represents a significant step in his journey to becoming an international football sensation.
But behind the scenes of this high-profile transfer, there’s been a lot of hard work and negotiation. To give us a closer look into the process, Alagie Wally’s agent, Andrii Krupenko, took some time to speak exclusively with Footy-Africa about the complexities involved in securing the deal.
Journey to NK Veres Rivne
Alagie Wally’s rise to prominence in Gambian football has been nothing short of remarkable. Having been the standout player for Hawks FC over the past few seasons, Wally’s move to NK Veres Rivne was the culmination of years of consistent hard work and outstanding performances in the domestic league. His raw talent and leadership on the pitch have made him one of the most exciting prospects in Gambian football, and that’s not gone unnoticed internationally.
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Speaking about the process, Andrii Krupenko revealed the challenges of completing the transfer:
“It was not an easy deal in terms of organising the whole process, but finally, we managed it successfully. We have a good relationship with Hawks FC, and that definitely helped make the transition smoother.”
While the deal has certainly been a win for Wally, his agent emphasised that the real challenge lies ahead as the young forward adapts to life in a more competitive environment:
“In regard to Wally and Veres, there is still plenty of work to be done when we are talking about the player. He is a talented guy, but it is a very different reality and environment compared to what he had in The Gambia.”
New challenge: adapting to the Ukrainian League
The Ukrainian Premier League is known for its intense, physically demanding style of play, which will undoubtedly be a huge adjustment for Wally. Krupenko explained that while his client has the potential to excel, it will take time to adjust to the tougher, more defensive nature of the league.
“Now everything depends on him,” said Krupenko, reflecting on the expectations placed on Wally at NK Veres Rivne. “The league is very tough and defensive, so that is the key point. For now, in my opinion, he hasn’t had too many chances to prove himself yet, as he needs more time to adapt.”
Indeed, Wally’s early days at Veres have been marked by opportunities already to showcase his talents, having played four matches so far this season, starting in one and accumulating 137 minutes on the pitch. These initial appearances, while promising, are just the beginning of what will surely be a long process of adaptation.
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International Recognition and National Team Call-Up
One of the most exciting aspects of Wally’s journey is his recent call-up to The Gambia national team.
At just 19 years old, he has already earned a place among the country’s top footballers, an achievement not easily attained by local players.
What makes this even more impressive is that Wally is one of only two Gambian players to have been called up under new national team coach, Johnathan McKinstry.
Five-year commitment
Wally’s five-year contract with NK Veres Rivne speaks volumes about the club’s confidence in his potential. While Krupenko was tight-lipped about the specific terms and fees of the deal, he did confirm that the club’s approach to player contracts revolves around performance and progression.
“It all depends on Wally’s progress and performance,” Krupenko explained. “It’s the way clubs here are doing things, and I think it’s the right approach. The club believes in him, but ultimately, everything will come down to how he performs on the field.”
Looking ahead: future of Alagie Wally
While it may take some time for Alagie Wally to settle into the Ukrainian league and show his full potential, there’s no doubt that his future looks bright.
As Krupenko rightly said, “The future depends on Alagie. If he continues to work hard, stay focused, and embrace the challenges ahead, there’s no reason why he can’t succeed at the highest level.”
