Brisbane Roar Welcomes Former Socceroo Teammate with ‘Exceptional Skill’ from Europe

Brisbane Roar have secured the services of former Portugal youth international Asumah Abubakar for the rest of the 2024-25 Isuzu UTE A-League season.

Abubakar joins the Roar from Switzerland’s premier club, Grasshoppers, where he played alongside Subway Socceroos forward and A-League alumnus Awer Mabil. Additionally, Nestory Irankunda is currently on loan at Grasshoppers from Bayern Munich.

The 27-year-old striker has made seven appearances this season, netting two goals during his one and a half years at Grasshoppers. Prior to that, he featured for other Swiss clubs, Luzern and Lugano, over the previous five seasons.

YOUR CLUB’S INS AND OUTS: Isuzu UTE A-League 2024-25 mid-season Transfer Centre

Of Ghanaian heritage, Abubakar began his career at Willem II in the Netherlands. He represented Portugal at the 2016 Under-19 UEFA European Championship, playing alongside future stars like Ruben Dias of Manchester City and Manchester United’s Diogo Dalot, even scoring against Germany in the tournament.

“We are thrilled to bring Asumah to our club,” commented Roar COO Zac Anderson.

“He possesses remarkable talent, a commendable work ethic, and significant experience in high-level competition.

“His pace, technical skills, and attacking disposition will make a vital contribution to our squad.”

Abubakar’s signing marks Brisbane’s third addition during the January transfer window, following Nathan Amanatidis and Austin Ludwik, as well as the return of Henry Hore from his loan spell.

He is expected to step into the role left vacant by young talent Thomas Waddingham’s transfer to EFL Championship club Portsmouth.