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Writer's pictureAdamu Muftawu

Alexander Djiku: The Ghanaian defensive pillar mopping up Fenerbahçe back line with finesse


Photo Credit: Fenerbahçe


Alexander Djiku is a name that might not resonate with a lot of Ghanaians because of his status as a dual national player representing the Ghana national team. Many big name players most remembered on the Black Stars were born and bred in the country before moving abroad, hence, their names always rings a bell among Ghanaians.


Apart from the Ayew brothers who were born in France, their father, Abedi Pele was homegrown. The West African nation's all-time top scorer Asamoah Gyan as well as former Bundesliga kingpin Anthony Yeboah were all brewed from the domestic pot.


However, Djiku has endeared himself to the Ghanaian populace ever since he switched allegiance to the four time African champions in 2020. Since his debut on October 9 in Ghana's 3-0 friendly loss to Mali the same year, the hard tackling guardsman has been a mainstay for the Black Stars provided he is fit.



Photo Credit: Ghana Football Association


His formative years cannot be underestimated, quickly rising to the senior side of French club Bastia after cutting his teeth with the juniors. Two seasons later in 2017 the central defender was in France's top division Ligue 1 after Caen agreed a 2 million transfer. After just two season with Caen, Djiku caught the eyes of many clubs across Europe but he decided to stay in Ligue 1 with Strasbourg who paid 4.5 million to acquire his services.


The now 30-year-old’s steel and verve at the back line never went unnoticed as he again attracted suitors across Europe, joining Fenerbahçe as a free agent after allowing his contract with Strasbourg to expire. An impressive 2023-24 season for the Turkish giants saw him gather 36 games in all competitions last season. He has so far impressed this term, collecting 17 appearances in all competitions but yet to score under the guidance of renowned Portuguese manager, Jose Mourinho.


The 6 foot tall centre back has equally courted rave reviews from ex-Fenerbahçe winger and Ghana legend, Yaw Preko. "I watched him against Manchester United and the full game that I watched, I think he is doing well for Fenerbahçe," Yaw Preko told Pan-Africa Football.


"Turkish league is a tough one because I spent six and half years in Turkey so I know what I am talking about. I played for Yotzgaspor, Fenerbahçe and Gaziantepspor so it is tough. Players in the Turkish league are a hard nut to crack."


"But I am happy for him because Fenerbahçe is one of the biggest clubs in Turkey and for you to be playing for them is great.


"You can spend a lot of years in Fenerbahçe and return at any time after your career. Alexander Djiku is doing very well and playing very well and I hope he will continue to hold the forth well," Yaw Preko concluded.


The man born in Montpellier has been capped 29 times for the Black Stars who failed to qualify for the 2025 AFCON and for the first time in 20-years. He is the fifth Ghana player wearing the Yellow Canaries jerseys of Fenerbahçe after former Black Stars captains Stephen Appiah and Andre Ayew as well as Yaw Preko and Sam Johnson.

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