Nigerian winger Ridwan Sanusi joins AS Trencin on loan from MSK Zilina

Versatile Nigerian winger Ridwan Sanusi has completed a loan move to AS Trencin, with the 23-year-old joining the Slovakian club until the end of next season in search of regular first-team football.

Sanusi returns to the club after MSK Zilina decided he was no longer part of their immediate plans. The right-footed player was repeatedly omitted from Zilina’s matchday squads after coming back from a loan spell at FK Zeleziarne Podbrezova.

The move gives Sanusi the opportunity to rebuild his momentum at a club aiming to improve on last season’s eighth-place finish in the Slovakian Nike Liga. AS Trencin last won the domestic title in 2016 and will be hoping to challenge towards the top of the table as Slovan Bratislava seek to extend their seven-year dominance of Slovak football.

Sanusi has been a regular mover since arriving in Europe in 2021. AS Trencin becomes the sixth Slovakian club of his career, following SKF Sered, Slavoj Trebisov, FK Pohronie, FK Zeleziarne Podbrezova and MSK Zilina.

He joined Zilina last year after making an impression during his time with Podbrezova. While on loan last season, Sanusi supplied three assists in 25 appearances and helped the club finish sixth in the Nike Liga.

His agreement with Zilina is due to expire at the end of the campaign, meaning AS Trencin could potentially secure his services permanently if he performs well enough to earn a long-term contract.

Sanusi generally plays on the right wing, where he can use his pace and ability to carry the ball to create opportunities. However, his versatility also allows him to operate in midfield or on the left side of the attack.

Despite his experience in Slovakian football, Sanusi has not yet represented Nigeria at either youth or senior international level. He will hope that regular football at AS Trencin can help him establish consistent form and move his career forward.

The transfer was completed with the Slovakian window closing, giving Sanusi a fresh chance to play a prominent role after a difficult spell at Zilina. His immediate focus will be on earning a place in AS Trencin’s starting line-up and helping the club improve its league position.