Official: Hammarby Announce The Signing Of Akinkunmi Amoo

The 18-year-old caught the world's attention when he starred for the Golden Eaglets at the 2019 World U-17 championship in Brazil

Following months of speculations, former Nigeria U-17 star has signed his first professional contract with Swedish club, Hammarby.

The left-footed star who has been dubbed ‘Nigerian Messi' joins Hammarby from Sidos FC, the Swedish club announced on their official site.

Amoo signed a four-year contract at the club, but it remains unclear on when he can join his teammates due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The signing of Amoo is not a surprise given the player himself confirmed there's a deal in place when he trained with the first team on his last trip to Sweden.

Hammarby have Sweden legend, Zlatan Ibrahimovic as one of its shareholders, and the AC Milan star previously released a video where he congratulated Amoo on the new deal.

A statement on the club's website read: Hammarby Fotboll has signed an agreement with the Nigerian talent and U-team national Akinkunmi Ayobami Amoo. Amoo joins from Sidos FC on a four-year agreement.

Akinkunmi Ayobami Amoo has visited Hammarby in rounds and trained with both A and U troops. It is now clear that it will be a permanent move to Bajenland.

– We have worked with Amoo, or “Akin” as he is called, for the past two years. There has been some interest from other clubs, but during the time we have known each other, we have built a strong relationship, and we are very happy that Akin chose us.

Our coaching staff, our players and not least Mikael Hjelmberg and Wadda Tamimi have been extremely involved in making Akin feel like part of the family at Årsta.  With Akin, we get into an explosive, skilful and offensive player with a nice left foot.

But we have to remember that he has just turned 18, so we should have patience and work together to further develop Akin's excellence, says Hammarby's sports manager Jesper Jansson.

Speaking in an interview with allnigeriasoccer via Brila, Amoo hinted he chose Hammarby ahead of other clubs because they guaranteed him playing time.

“The reason I chose Hammarby is that I have been to the club to see things for myself, I have signed a pre-contract with them. The deal is for four years,” said Amoo to allnigeriasoccer.

“I noticed one thing about the club because they assured me that they will give me the chance to prove my talent, that's the first reason I chose the team.

His latest deal comes after he was named the Most Promising Footballer of the year at the Ballers awards.