Afriyie Barnieh packed his bags and headed for a fresh start with FC Aarau after things went sour at FC Zurich. The 24-year-old Ghanaian striker grabbed a two-year contract with the Swiss Challenge League club without paying a transfer fee. Zurich let him walk away for nothing after both sides agreed he needed more game time elsewhere. The move gives Barnieh another shot at proving himself on Swiss soil. He hopes second-tier football will help him show what he can really do.
Back in January 2023, Barnieh left Hearts of Oak for what seemed like a dream move to FC Zurich. The Swiss top-flight club offered him a deal lasting three and a half years. He thought he would become a key player for the team. Instead, he found himself warming the bench more often than he wanted. The coaching staff kept picking other forwards ahead of him for important matches.
Barnieh managed to rack up 50 games for Zurich across different competitions during his stay. He scored just two goals and set up four more for his teammates. These numbers disappointed both the player and the club officials. His performances never convinced the managers to give him a regular starting spot. The lack of consistent minutes frustrated Barnieh and made him consider leaving.
FC Aarau offered Barnieh the perfect escape route from his Zurich nightmare. The Challenge League side promised him more opportunities to play week after week. Barnieh believes dropping down one level will actually help his career move forward. He wants to score goals and create chances on a regular basis. This fresh chapter could be exactly what the young forward needs to rediscover his best form.
Back in January 2023, Barnieh left Hearts of Oak for what seemed like a dream move to FC Zurich. The Swiss top-flight club offered him a deal lasting three and a half years. He thought he would become a key player for the team. Instead, he found himself warming the bench more often than he wanted. The coaching staff kept picking other forwards ahead of him for important matches.
Barnieh managed to rack up 50 games for Zurich across different competitions during his stay. He scored just two goals and set up four more for his teammates. These numbers disappointed both the player and the club officials. His performances never convinced the managers to give him a regular starting spot. The lack of consistent minutes frustrated Barnieh and made him consider leaving.
FC Aarau offered Barnieh the perfect escape route from his Zurich nightmare. The Challenge League side promised him more opportunities to play week after week. Barnieh believes dropping down one level will actually help his career move forward. He wants to score goals and create chances on a regular basis. This fresh chapter could be exactly what the young forward needs to rediscover his best form.
