Mohammed Salisu Abdul Karim, born on April 17, 1999, in Kumasi, Ghana, began his career at the Africa Talent Football Academy before moving to Europe. In 2017, he joined Real Valladolid, progressing through their youth system and B-team before debuting in La Liga in 2019. His defensive solidity earned him a €12 million move to Southampton in the Premier League in 2020, where he played for three seasons. In 2023, he signed with AS Monaco for €15 million, but injuries and competition have limited his impact.
Last season, Salisu featured in just 15 Ligue 1 matches, starting only once after February 1, with a mere two minutes played in Monaco’s final 14 league games. The arrival of Eric Dier, formerly of Bayern Munich, further crowded the defensive line, prompting Salisu to seek a move.
- First Monaco season: 12 Ligue 1 games, hampered by adductor and thigh injuries.
- 2024/25 season: 15 appearances, one start post-February.
- Current market value: €15 million, per Transfermarkt.
- Other interested clubs: Galatasaray (Turkey) and Saudi Arabian teams have scouted him.
Valencia’s interest and transfer details
Valencia, who finished ninth in La Liga 2024/25, aim to strengthen their defense following the potential departure of Cristhian Mosquera. Salisu, with his La Liga and Premier League experience, is seen as an ideal fit. The €13 million offer, plus €2 million in bonuses, aligns with Valencia’s strategy of signing proven players with resale potential.
The proposed contract offers Salisu a five-year deal until 2030, with a €3.5 million annual salary, competitive for a defender of his age. Negotiations are advanced, but Monaco’s final approval hinges on whether the offer matches their initial €15 million investment.
- Valencia’s goal: Improve defensive consistency after conceding 41 goals in La Liga last season.
- Salisu’s profile: Left-footed, 1.88m, strong in aerial duels and physical challenges.
- Valladolid record: 31 La Liga games, one goal in 2019/20, as a regular starter.
- Monaco competition: Eric Dier and Thilo Kehrer have reduced Salisu’s opportunities.
Implications for Monaco and Salisu’s prospects
For AS Monaco, selling Salisu could free up squad space and wages, enabling investment in other areas. The club, which finished third in Ligue 1 2024/25, aims to remain competitive in the league and UEFA Champions League. Eric Dier’s experience from Tottenham and Bayern strengthens their backline, making Salisu’s exit feasible.
For Salisu, Valencia offers a chance to reclaim the prominence he enjoyed at Valladolid. His versatility, capable of playing as a central defender or in deeper roles, suits Valencia’s coach Rubén Baraja, who prioritizes a solid defense and quality ball-playing.
- Monaco’s benefit: Recover up to 100% of the €15 million invested in 2023.
- Salisu’s advantage: More playing time and a return to La Liga, where he thrived.
- Valencia’s strategy: Cost-effective signings to compete with Sevilla and Villarreal.
International career and recent challenges
Salisu is a key figure for Ghana’s national team, debuting in a 2022 friendly against Brazil. He has since played 13 matches, scoring twice, including a goal in a 3-2 win over South Korea at the 2022 World Cup. His participation in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations underscores his importance, but limited club minutes concern coach Otto Addo.
A move to Valencia could ensure greater visibility and consistency, crucial for securing his spot in the national team. Injuries, including adductor and thigh issues, disrupted his first Monaco season, but his physical recovery is a positive for his next chapter.
- National team debut: Friendly against Brazil, September 2022.
- International goals: Two, against Switzerland (friendly) and South Korea (World Cup).
- Tournament appearances: 2022 World Cup and 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
- Risk for Ghana: Lack of club minutes could jeopardize his national team role.
Transfer market dynamics
Europe’s transfer market is buzzing, with clubs seeking strategic signings before the new season. Valencia’s interest in Salisu reflects a trend among mid-tier La Liga clubs to target experienced players from top leagues looking to restart their careers. Galatasaray, the Turkish champions, also monitored Salisu but hasn’t made a formal bid.
Saudi Arabian clubs, offering lucrative salaries, are another option, but Salisu, at 26, appears to prioritize staying in Europe for competitive exposure. Valencia’s tradition and ambition to climb the La Liga table make it the most appealing destination.
- Other suitors: Galatasaray has shown interest but no concrete offer.
- Saudi market: High wages but less competitive visibility.
- Desired profile: Young defenders with experience in top European leagues.
- Transfer window: Closes in August, urging a swift resolution.
