Former Kotoko Umar Bashiru joins newly promoted Iraqi League side Al Mosul

Newly promoted Iraqi Stars League side Al Mosul have announced the signing of Ghanaian midfielder Umar Bashiru ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

The hardworking midfielder has penned a one-year deal with an option for extension, following successful negotiations with the club.

Bashiru, 28, joins the Iraqi outfit on a free transfer after parting ways with Ethiopian Premier League side Ethiopia Nigd Bank SA. His move to Iraq brings an end to a highly successful three-year spell in Ethiopia.

Widely regarded as one of the top foreign players in Ethiopian football, Bashiru played a pivotal role in Ethiopia Nigd Bank’s historic league triumph during their debut topflight season in 2023/24.

He was subsequently crowned Ethiopian Premier League Player of the Year, after scoring seven goals and providing nine assists that season.

Before his move to East Africa in 2022, Bashiru featured prominently in the Ghana Premier League, lining up for clubs such as West Africa Football Academy (WAFA), Asante Kotoko, and Karela United.

In Ethiopia, he initially joined Insurance FC, where he impressed before securing a move to Commercial Bank Ethiopia SA.

In the just-ended season, he featured in 25 league matches, but the club struggled to retain its title, finishing ninth in the standings.

The midfielder chose to join Al Mosul to embrace a new challenge and explore opportunities in Middle East football.

He becomes one of seven new signings by the club as they prepare for life in Iraq’s top tier.