Ghanaian football club Asante Kotoko has announced the mutual departure of highly-rated defender Mohammed Nurudeen. The 31-year-old professional nurse from Tamale leaves the team after just one season, as the club was unable to secure him a permanent transfer to Kumasi.

Despite having two years left on his contract, both parties agreed to part ways ahead of the 2024/25 football season.

“The club entered into a three-year employment agreement with Nurudeen before the commencement of the 2023/24 football season. However, management notes that Nurudeen also has a contract with the Ghana Health Service as a practicing enrolled nurse. The club explored all possible options to convince him to focus on his football career, but Nurudeen remained committed to his career in nursing.

“In light of this, an emergency meeting was convened on Sunday, August 4, 2024, where the Interim Management Committee (IMC) agreed to part ways with the player in the best interest of both parties. This decision was made to maintain the cohesion the team is building for the new season.

“The IMC would like to assure our supporters that the club will not suffer any financial or sporting penalties due to this decision and wishes Nurudeen the best for the future. The club will not be making any further comments on this decision and considers the matter closed,” the club stated.

Nurudeen joined the Porcupine Warriors in August 2023 and quickly became a key player for the team. Despite the club's poor performance last season, he stood out as a top performer.