Jerry Afriyie: Ghana striker eyes move away from Saudi Arabia

Jerry Afriyie – Photo Credit: Ghana Football Association.

Ghana striker, Jerry Afriyie has indicated his resolve to play in Europe rather than staying in Saudi Arabia.

The 18-year-old who rose through the ranks of Ghana’s Division Two side Thoughts FC, was signed by Saudi Pro club, Al Qadsiah but was loaned to Spanish third tier side, CD Lugo where he played ten matches and scored four goals.

Afriyie, who played for Ghana at the CAF U-20 Tournament in Egypt says he wishes to play in top European leagues rather than staying with parent club, Al Qadsiah.

“I think those who don’t understand the way the situation is, they are going to take it in a different way but I didn’t sign because I want to play in Saudi Arabia.

“I think it’s a project they are doing, they just take young players and market them in Europe, and they don’t normally play in Saudi Arabia.

“So I am not going to play in Saudi, I want to play in Europe, Ligue 1 and other stuff is what I am looking for.

Jerry Afriyie touched on his first ever senior national team call-up of which he describes as “too much” of an experience.

He made his Black Stars debut, scoring an equaliser in Ghana’s 2-1 defeat to Niger during the 2025 AFCON qualifier at the Accra Sports Stadium.

He said: “That day I didn’t sleep because I was so happy and other stuff because I didn’t know what to do because coming to the senior side and scoring on your debut is not easy.

“It was too much, it was not easy but I was very happy.”