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AIK evaluates Ghanaian teen Mark Kagawa Mensah in trial

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Key Points
  • Mark Kagawa Mensah is a 16-year-old Ghanaian midfielder on trial with AIK
  • He is known for offensive skills and creativity, with a decision expected next week
  • Contractual restrictions mean he can only be signed when he turns 18 next year

Mark Kagawa Mensah, a 16-year-old midfielder from Ghana, is currently on trial with the Swedish top-division club AIK. According to Fotbolltransfers, AIK's recruitment chief Miikka Takkula described him as a very offensive-minded and technical midfielder. Mensah is known for his creativity, vision for the game, and ability to dictate play from midfield, according to Ghanasoccernet.

Mensah is a youth international for Ghana's U17 national team, and he was developed at the Attram de Visser Soccer Academy in Ghana. AIK scout Herish Sadis presented Mensah to the club, leading to the trial invitation, according to multiple reports.

He is a midfielder who is very offensive in his thinking and who is technical.

Miikka Takkula, AIK recruitment chief

Mensah will turn 17 in the summer and can only be signed when he turns 18 next year, sources indicate. His trial with AIK is scheduled to end next week, at which point AIK will make a decision about him. According to Fotbollskanalen, Miikka Takkula described that the club will then make a decision. Mensah reportedly wants his future club address decided before the U17 African Cup of Nations, according to Ghanasoccernet. It remains unknown whether AIK will sign him after his trial ends next week, what the specific terms of any potential contract might be, or if other clubs are also interested. The exact date when he will turn 18 and become eligible for a professional contract has not been disclosed.

He is definitely a talented player. He fits into our playing style. It will be important to see how he manages to perform in a senior team environment. But he is definitely a player we will keep an eye on. We'll see how it goes.

Miikka Takkula, AIK recruitment chief

He has made a good impression so far. He is a fantastic character and he is technically skilled.

Miikka Takkula, AIK recruitment chief

So it is more about evaluating how much he can develop. What does the potential look like?

Miikka Takkula, AIK recruitment chief

Herish presented the player to me and after that we decided to invite him.

Miikka Takkula, AIK recruitment chief

Then we will make a decision.

Miikka Takkula, AIK recruitment chief
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AIK evaluates Ghanaian teen Mark Kagawa Mensah in trial | Reed News