Mohammed Salisu

Former clubs: Real Valldolid

Humble beginnings

Unlike many starts to life in professional football, Salisu’s journey to La Liga started in humble fashion in his home country.

After joining the African Talent Football Academy from fellow Ghanain outfit Barcelona Babies, Spanish scouts spotted the defender’s potential in a match that he almost failed to feature in. Unaware of the scouts’ presence, Salisu had to borrow an ill-fitting pair of boots from one of the goalkeepers in order to take to the field.

Still impressing, he joined Valladolid’s academy in the latter part of 2017, adjusting to life in Spain quickly enough to be promoted to the first-team ahead of the 2018/19 campaign.

Life at Valladolid

Making two Copa del Rey appearances that season, it was the 2019/20 campaign that saw Salisu announce himself to the football world in impressive fashion.

An ever-present for Sergio González’s side, the commanding central defender played a pivotal role in helping the Spanish outfit to their highest-placed finish in 17 years.

Dubbed ‘the wall of Valladolid’ by Spanish newspaper El País, Salisu excels in one-on-one defensive situations whilst offering a physical presence standing at 6’3”, only being dribbled past 12 times in over 30 appearances last season.

Move to St Mary's

The central defender’s switch to the Premier League marks the latest step in a meteoric rise to prominence for the 21-year-old.

The defender has signed a four year contract and was the second summer signing of the 2020/21 pre-season along with Kyle Walker-Peters.