Contrary to widespread media reports can exclusively confirm that Asante Kotoko defender Samuel Abeiku Ainooson has joined Sudanese club Al Hilal on a season-long deal.

The 25-year old’s contract with the Porcupine Warriors was due to end in 2016 but penned a two-year contract extension before being allowed to make the move to Omdurman.

This means the two-time best Ghana defender would return to the Garden City should he fail to extend his one-year stay in the Sudanese league. The former New Edubiase stalwart has been key in Ghana’s local black stars squad for the Championship of African Nations.

His output for Kotoko in the 2014 league season was irregular due to injuries suffered during the term.

Abeiku is expected to use his exploits with Al Hilal to draw bigger offers from European clubs and now joins former U20 star and Liberty Professional striker Kennedy Ashia who sealed a 2-year contract with the same club on Tuesday afternoon.