By Kwame Bediako
Jerry Afriyie has opened up on his move to Saudi Arabian club Al Qadsiah, a decision he insists is not motivated by financial gain. The 18-year-old talent, who was widely expected to make a move to one of Europe’s major leagues after his impressive breakout season, has instead opted for a three-and-a-half-year deal with a club often associated with players nearing the end of their careers.
Afriyie expressed his belief in the project at Al Qadsiah, stating, “I see this project similar to what brought me out. I’m focused on my development and the timing.”
To further his growth, Al Qadsiah has loaned Afriyie to Spanish lower division side CD Lugo for the remainder of the current season. This strategic move highlights the club’s commitment to nurturing young talent and providing them with the necessary experience to thrive. “It is in God’s hands and I’m willing to play my part,” Afriyie remarked after the move.
Afriyie’s rise to prominence has been marked by his standout performances for the Ghana U20 team during the 2023 WAFU Zone B Tournament in Togo. His exceptional skills earned him a debut call-up to the Black Stars for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Niger, where he made an impactful entry by scoring a goal, despite Ghana’s 1-2 defeat. This experience at the senior national level is expected to further enhance his development as a player.
In addition to his national team debut, Afriyie claimed the Golden Boot at the WAFU Zone B regional competition, where Ghana secured a second-place finish behind Nigeria, thus qualifying for the U20 AFCON in Ivory Coast scheduled for April. His contributions have been pivotal, as he played a crucial role in Ghana’s U20 squad that clinched victory at the 2024 African Games hosted in Ghana, where he emerged as the tournament’s top scorer.
