Rafiu Durosinmi has completed a record-breaking transfer to Italian side Pisa, becoming the club’s most expensive signing after sealing an €11 million move from Czech champions Viktoria Plzen.
Speaking exclusively to Footy-Africa, Igbayilola Ariyo, who discovered the striker alongside his partner Shira Yusuf, explained the thinking behind the move.
“Yes, it is true Prince (Rafiu) had interest from clubs in Germany, France and others. In fact, there was concrete interest from a Bundesliga side last season and he almost moved, but a few things happened and the deal collapsed,” Ariyo exclusively revealed to Footy-Africa.
“This time, Pisa presented a very good deal. Going to Italy is about his development and being in an environment where he can continue to grow without too much pressure. The club has a clear plan for him and we believe he will thrive there.”
La Lega conferma 🗂: Durosinmi è il nuovo centravanti del Pisa 🆕#calciomercato #mercato #Pisa #SerieA #Durosinmi pic.twitter.com/N3LkpZRVeW
— Transfermarkt.it (@TMit_news) January 8, 2026
Ariyo also highlighted Durosinmi’s journey from grassroots football to Europe’s elite leagues:
“A lot of people don’t know this, but Rafiu started at Box2Box Academy, the same academy that produced Tolu Arokodare. From there, he has grown into a very good striker and he still has room to improve.”
The respected talent developer is confident international recognition will soon follow.
“I believe Rafiu will get his chance with the Super Eagles very soon. He was on the provisional list for the Nations Cup and I am sure we will see him in the national team after the tournament,” he concluded.
The deal stands as the biggest transfer involving a Nigerian player in the current transfer window. The 23-year-old forward has signed a four-year contract with Pisa, bringing an end to a highly productive two-year spell at Viktoria Plzen, where his rapid development, physical presence and eye for goal attracted interest from several clubs across Europe.
Durosinmi’s move finally puts to rest months of speculation over his future, with clubs in Germany and France closely monitoring his situation. However, those close to the player believe Pisa offers the ideal platform for continued growth rather than immediate pressure.
Box2Box Academy, co-founded by Shira Yusuf and Igbayilola Ariyo, has also produced players such as Temiloluwa Adelakin,Victor Egboh and James Bello, further underlining its growing influence in Nigerian football development.
