Who is Alhassan Yusuf? 6 facts about the Kano-born midfielder

Who is Alhassan Yusuf? 6 facts about the Kano-born midfielder
Credit: Icon Sport

Alhassan Yusuf is one of the promising talents from Nigeria who have been doing great things in Europe over the past two seasons.

Yusuf, 23, is a highly technical combative midfielder born in Kano State, Nigeria and is now a mainstay in the midfield of Belgian giants Royal Antwerp.

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Credit: Icon Sport

His journey across Europe is an interesting one and here is a look into what the youngster has been able to do and some interesting facts about him.

Alhassan Yusuf Career

Yusuf began his football career with FC Hearts in Nigeria. He was spotted by the Tiki Taka Development Group as a youngster in Nigeria. 

The Swedish-based academy set up a Nigerian wing of their operation in the last decade. Working with grassroots clubs and players, the academy has continued to help players forge a career in European football.

He featured in the prestigious Gothia Cup twice – a tournament that featured the likes of Xabi Alonso and Andrea Pirlo in the past.

It was in the 2017 edition that Yusuf caught the eyes of IFK Göteborg. Tiki Taka (Nigeria) would lose in the final, but the central midfielder was impressive.

IFK’s sporting director at the time, Olle Sultan, had been briefed on a young talent playing in the tournament and, upon watching 17-year-old Yusuf, offered him a trial.

Yusuf joined the Swedish first-division side permanently and became an instant hit after just a season in the side.

IFK Göteborg won the Svenska Cup and finished seventh in the league. A rewarding campaign for Sweden’s second most successful club.

In terms of personal reward, Yusuf won the Allsvenskan Young Player of the Year. 

Alhassan Yusuf Transfer

Alhassan signed for Antwerp from Goteborg for around €1 million in 2021, but his market value has since risen.

Anyone looking to price Alhassan out of Antwerp could have to spend up to €4 million according to Transfermarkt and his current contract with Royal will come to an end in 2025.

Similarly, he is the 11th most valuable player at Antwerp and did pick up a Player of the Month award last season.

Alhassan has been in the news for the right reasons and could be on the move in the summer. 

The midfielder has been courting interest from clubs like FC Porto, Sporting Lisbon, Hellas Verona and Strasbourg.

Alhassan Yusuf Stats

Overall, Alhassan has made 175 appearances since his breakthrough, scored six goals, and contributed 15 assists.

Meanwhile, Alhassan's numbers have been steady since his move to Belgium. 

The midfielder has made 96 appearances for Royal and has four goals plus six assists to his name.

He has also featured in the Europa League, Europa Conference League and Champions League over the past three seasons.

Alhassan Yusuf UCL history

The midfielder made history in this season's UEFA Champions League group stage campaign with Royal Antwerp. 

He made his full debut against Porto, and went ahead to join a list of exclusive Nigerian players to have found the back of the net on their maiden UCL start.

Daniel Amokachi, Victor Ikpeba, Peter Olayinka and Lucky Idahor all marked their first start in Europe's premier club competition with a goal, and Yusuf managed to achieve the feat despite playing sparingly at the start of the season.

Alhassan Yusuf Salary

According to Salary Sport, Alhassan earns ₦3,125,375 per week and that is ₦162,159,500 in a year.

Alhassan Yusuf Super Eagles

Alhassan is yet to be capped for the Super Eagles of Nigeria but he was briefly handed a call up by former interim boss Salisu Yusuf.

Meanwhile, there are reports that he has been included in the Super Eagles’ provisional list for the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire next month.

This article was most recently revised and updated 1 year ago

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