Read on Twitter
Here's a Mohammed Salisu thread, on his meteoric rise. I'm hoping today is the day @SouthamptonFC finally announce him, because frankly, they've kept us in suspense for FAR too long. #SaintsFC
Mohammed Salisu is a 21 year-old CB, born in Accra, Ghana, who currently plays for Real Valladolid in La Liga. Currently rated as one of the world's most promising young talents, it is reported that we are obtaining his services at a cut-price of about 10.9m.
Salisu started out his journey in 2013, joining his local academy called UAFA. He spent two and a half years in UAFA, before leaving. He then joined the highly-rate African Talent Football Academy in Nwasam, Ghana, directed by Fran Castano.
A fun fact about his trial : he arrived at the trial late, and without boots, and had to borrow a pair from a goalkeeper. The manager commented that he was not serious because of this, but Salisu managed to impress enough to be accepted.
The academy's objective was to develop talents prepare them for a future move to Europa once they come of age. There, Salisu developed and eventually joined Segunda Division club Real Valladolid in 2017, when he was 18 years old. [ http://ghanasoccernet.com ]
![The academy's objective was to develop talents prepare them for a future move to Europa once they come of age. There, Salisu developed and eventually joined Segunda Division club Real Valladolid in 2017, when he was 18 years old. [ http://ghanasoccernet.com ]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EeEUNZ3UwAIE7XM.jpg "The academy's objective was to develop talents prepare them for a future move to Europa once they come of age. There, Salisu developed and eventually joined Segunda Division club Real Valladolid in 2017, when he was 18 years old. [ http://ghanasoccernet.com ]")
ADAPTING TO EUROPE
Salisu admitted he first struggled with the difference in the style of play in Spain, but quickly adapted and took on a starring role for the reserves, playing 39 games and scoring 1 goal. His impressive performances led him to train with the first team.
Salisu admitted he first struggled with the difference in the style of play in Spain, but quickly adapted and took on a starring role for the reserves, playing 39 games and scoring 1 goal. His impressive performances led him to train with the first team.
He made his first-team debut in January 2019 in a Copa-del-Rey match, less than two years after joining the club's reserves, when he was just 19.
In 19/20, a gap appeared in the CB positions when Fernando Callero left the club, and injuries to other players meant an opening spot in the starting XI. Salisu pounced, becoming a starter for the club, playing 32 games and scoring 1 goal in his first full season as a pro.
After a particularly stellar performance against Atletico Madrid, helping his team to a 0-0 draw, @LaLigaEN tweeted out the following. https://twitter.com/LaLigaEN/status/1180878165448826881
Salisu's value quickly rose, from 250,000 at the season's inception to up to a staggering 10m eight months later, according to transfrmarkt. As such, many big clubs like Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, and Manchester United, came circling. [AS]
As the season drew to a close, two serious suitors came up; Rennes and Southampton. According to Diario AS, Salisu chose Saints for a variety of reasons, as highlighted by an excellent thread by @LHarrisSFC https://twitter.com/LHarrisSFC/status/1283010521822879744
With Martin Semmens basically confirming the deal in a recent interview, it looks like Salisu's next club will be Southampton FC. An incredible rise to the Premier League, at the precocious age of 21, after only just 1 first team season. #SaintsFC
Here's an enlightening interview from the man himself.
Shoutout to @ZachLowy, who gives a great assessment of Mohammed Salisu in a recent @SFCDell_ivery podcast. (skip to 49:03)
My personal thoughts; Mohammed Salisu will be an excellent signing, and the 1v1 defender we've needed for a long time. I realize, however, that this may just be a stepping stone in his career, as I feel his potential could see him move to a CL club soon, a la Van Dijk. #SaintsFC
As he is still young, it is understandable he may need time to adapt to the English game. As such, let's all be patient. He WILL make mistakes, so let's be supportive and let him be the rock I know he eventually will be.
Cheers for making it this far. @SouthamptonFC just bloody announce him already. #SaintsFC
Extra : want to know how Salisu will fit in? @LHarrisSFC had another excellent thread, check it out! https://twitter.com/LHarrisSFC/status/1283040543560302597?s=19
