Nigerian U-20 international Musa Akinfenwa has completed a permanent move to Swedish club IFK Värnamo from Nigerian academy Real Sapphire, Footy-Africa understands.
The 19-year-old forward had initially joined Värnamo on loan and impressed during his time with the club before the Swedish side decided to make the transfer permanent.
Footy-Africa understands the decision to complete the deal permanently came after the departure of Souleymane Coulibaly, with Värnamo moving quickly to secure Musa’s future as part of their long-term plans.
Musa has now signed a contract that will keep him at the Swedish club until the end of the 2030 season.
The teenager has already made an impression in Sweden, featuring in five Superettan matches for Värnamo.
Värnamo sporting director Jörgen Petersson praised Musa’s rapid progress and highlighted his ability in one-on-one situations.
“Musa has had a rapid development with us, and he has many exciting qualities, not least in the one-on-one game. He has already gained experience from Superettan and shown that he can contribute at this level,” Petersson said.
He added: “We see great development potential in Musa and are very happy that we now have the opportunity to make the loan permanent. It feels good to have him as part of our long-term investment and that he has signed a contract with us through the 2030 season.”
Interest from clubs across Europe
Footy-Africa understands that Värnamo were not the only club monitoring Musa’s development.
Danish side Brøndby showed interest in the youngster, and Musa also had a trial with the club before eventually committing his future to Värnamo.
Belgian clubs Westerlo, Union Saint-Gilloise and Anderlecht also monitored Musa during his development in Nigeria and Sweden.
However, Värnamo ultimately moved to secure the player’s services on a permanent basis, handing him a long-term contract as they look to continue his development in Sweden.
Musa’s progression represents another pathway for young Nigerian talents to make the move to Europe, with the teenager now tied to Värnamo until 2030.
Having already gained experience in the Superettan, Musa will now look to build on his first five appearances and establish himself as an important part of Värnamo’s plans for the coming seasons.
