Young Ghanaian midfielder Clifford Aboagye has joined Mexican side Club Tijuana from Querétaro, where he was on loan.
His departure comes after Tijuana bought the release clause in his contract. Tijuana therefore have the rights to the Ghanaian player, and can negotiate with other clubs.
Aboagye is expected to put pen to paper at his new club in the coming days, and will officially become the first African footballer to reach the Xoloitzcuintle first team.
Club officials say his arrival will boost the team’s roster ahead of the 2020 LIGA MX Opening Tournament.
The former Inter Allies player announced his departure days ago, thanking Querétaro for giving him the opportunity when he needed it the most.
“Thank you, very much @Club Queretaro, for opening the doors when I needed it most. It was a magnificent year full of good mementos. He especially mentioned the fans for always being in the moments. It was a pleasure to wear these colors and they will be in my heart!! ALWAYS ROOSTERS.”
Tijuana should offer Aboagye consistency as he seeks to further build on a career that still has so much promise.
Years ago, he was touted as the next big thing for Ghana after winning the Bronze Ball at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2013 with Ghana.
He moved to Italian outfit Udinese Calcio and spent a season before joining the B team of Spanish side Granada FC for the 2013/2014 season.
After two seasons with Granada, he was loaned to Atlas, where his Mexican expedition started. At Atlas, he played from 2017 to 2019.
Clifford is swift on the ball and has an impressive skillset, a trait that makes him a permanent item in the books of agents.
Despite doubts over his move to Mexico, he has cited the competitiveness of the Mexican league as an attraction.
“In Mexico, if you have the talent you will get the opportunity to play. I was only 21 years when I got there from Europe and I had to do all my best to prove to the coach. Spain is more of growing and getting the experience. The Mexican league is very tough and competitive,” he told me in April on #InConversationWith.
Even more important to the Mexican move was the need to get first team action, he said.
“I wouldn’t say I am proud of my decision but I think I made a bold step. I think I had enough talent to prove myself to get the attention. Playing regularly is the best thing and I have never regretted the decision I made.”
The Mexican Liga MX restarts on July 24. No fans are expected at games due to Covid-19 restrictions.
By Juliet Bawuah|3news.com|Ghana