Ghanaian international centre-back Alexander Djiku has left Russia, where he had transfer talks with Spartak Moscow, and joined Black Stars national team ahead of World Cup Qualifier match against Mali.
Otto Addo’s squad is preparing to host Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, September 8, after dissapoing draw 1-1 against Chad. Djiku is believed to play a key role while The Black Stars remain atop Group I with 16 points, but with Mali lurking, there is little margin for error.
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Alexander Djiku and Joseph Paintsil join the squad for Monday’s clash. 👊🏾#BlackStars | #FIFAWCQ pic.twitter.com/pf8s21gZBV
— 🇬🇭 Black Stars (@GhanaBlackstars) September 6, 2025
Djiku missed the previous Ghana game due to his transfer negotiations with Spartak Moscow from Fenerbahce. According to Africafoot, the 31-year-old is finally expected to sign with the Russian powerhouse for the next three seasons.
Previously rumored to be heading to the Saudi Pro League, specifically Al-Hilal or to Ligue 1 with Lille, the Ghanaian international has reportedly settled in Russia.
It was reported that Djiku, who has been in the Russian capital since Wednesda, September, 3, passed his medical and was expected to sign a three-year contract with an annual salary of €3.5 million. The transfer fee is reportedly €2.5 million.
However, Russian media reports that there has been an unknown reason for negotiations to stall as there has not been official confirmation from either side, despite all parties agreed on terms.
Fenerbahce and Spartak Moscow reached agreement for the Djiku’s transfer
Djiku has received the approval of the Ghana Football Association, including President Kurt Simeon Erdwin Okraku, to travel to Moscow to finalize his transfer and miss match against Chad.
Ghana – Mali kick-off is scheduled for 19:00 GMT Monday, 8.
