Liberian international striker Sam Johnson has ended all transfer speculations surrounding him in this summer transfer window, after signing a three-year deal with Chinese League One club Wuhan Zall.

Europa League champions Sevilla FC, Russian champions CSKA Moscow, and French League One club Bordeaux were all interested in the young Liberian forward. He, however, opted to join a second tier club from China for a fee believed to be around two million euros.

Djurgardens sporting director, Bosse Andersson, referred to Johnson’s move to China as one of a real financial benefit to the club.

“This is economical, a good deal for Djurgardens and an essential building block in our future sporting development,” Andersson said. “It gives us the financial sporting action and increases the opportunities to succeed in our ambition for the future of Europen Games.”

He further stated that “Sam is another young player who in recent years has had tremendous growth and will be able to move abroad. He has had a tremendous development during his time in Djurgardens.”

Not even thinking about the level of football, Johnson, via his Facebook page, admitted that his decision on going to China was not what his fans expected, but it is the right decision for him because of the financial benefits.

“I know this is not what my fans really expected, but it all happens for a reason,” he posted. “I’m on my way to my new home and going to meet a new challenge in my career. I know my career won’t end in China, but I have to go because money speaks.”

Further, he acknowledged clubs in Sweden that gave him an opportunity to play in Europe.

He wrote: “I just want to take this time to give thanks and appreciation to the teams I played for in the past years. They have shown me a lot of love and care, and I pray God continue to bless them, especially, Djurgardens, the pride of Stockholm, I love and will miss the club a lot. Djurgardens will always remain in my heart.”

The 23-year-old forward and former Nimba United player started his Swedish career with division three side, Juventus IF, before moving to Harnosands FF in 2013. After a brief spell with Harnonsands, he then moved to IK Frej Talby where he made a name for himself, helping IK Frej to gain promotion to Sweden’s second tier football. His pace and goal scoring form caught the attention of many top clubs in the Swedish top tier.

It was Djurgardens IF that captured the young Liberian in 2015 where he won the hearts of thousands of fans and officials after scoring 17 goals in 41 appearances.

He made his debut with the senior national team of Liberia in 2015 in a 2-1 loss to Togo in the 2017 Gabon Nations Cup qualifiers. Since then, he has made nine appearances with one goal to his name.

His new team, Wuhan Zall, was formed in 2009 after the withdrawal and dissolution of its predecessor, Wuhan Guanggu, when it withdrew from the league. This was after a dispute with the Chinese Football Association over on-field behavior.

They are currently participating in the China League One division. The team is based in Wuhan, Hubei and plays home games at the 22,140 seater Xinhua Road Sports Center.

The club is coached by former Italian footballer and former Sampdoria head coach, Ciro Ferrara.

Featured photo courtesy of Sam Johnson