EXCLUSIVE / From Serie A to Korçë: Skënderbeu brings in the “Brain” of the Italian defense

As it had been rumored for weeks, Salim Abubakar is now officially Skënderbeu’s newest player. The 22-year-old Nigerian midfielder and defender arrives from the Italian club Sassuolo, and is considered an important reinforcement for the Korçë-based team.

Abubakar was born on April 7, 2003, and developed as a footballer in Italy. At the age of 17, he joined Sassuolo and later played for the club’s U-20 team. He was also loaned to Pergolettese and returned to Sassuolo’s squad last season.

What makes him particularly valuable for Skënderbeu is his versatility on the field: he can play as a central defender, left-back, and as a defensive midfielder. He is highly regarded for his tactical positioning, physical strength, and composure on the ball.

This transfer signals Skënderbeu’s clear ambition to build a competitive and disciplined squad starting from the backline.

“KORÇA BOOM”