Gambian striker Muhamadou “Mo” Kanteh is on the verge of signing a new long-term contract with Ukrainian giants FC Shakhtar Donetsk following a sensational debut season with the club’s Under-19 side, Footy-Africa can exclusively reveal.
The new agreement will further strengthen Kanteh’s future at Shakhtar, with the club moving to reward one of its brightest young talents after an extraordinary first campaign in Ukraine.
Kanteh officially joined Shakhtar Donetsk on a permanent transfer last summer after initially signing with the club in December 2024. Following his arrival, the former Wagadu FC forward was integrated into the club’s Under-19 team, where he immediately established himself as one of the most prolific young strikers in Europe.
The teenager enjoyed a remarkable 2025/26 season, scoring an astonishing 28 goals in 28 league matches to finish as the club’s all-time highest scorer in a single Under-19 league campaign. His record-breaking exploits not only helped drive Shakhtar’s youth team but also elevated his status as one of Gambian football’s most exciting emerging talents.
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With new head coach Arda Turan having openly expressed his admiration for the young striker, many had anticipated an immediate promotion to the senior squad ahead of the new season.
However, while the first-team opportunity remains firmly within reach, Shakhtar has opted to first secure Kanteh’s long-term future by extending his current contract, which was originally due to expire in June 2028. The move underlines the club’s confidence in his potential and its determination to build around one of its most promising academy graduates.
Kanteh is expected to begin next season with Shakhtar’s Under-21 side, where he will continue his development while regularly training with and competing for opportunities in the first-team setup. The pathway reflects the club’s gradual approach to integrating young talent into senior football.
