Isaac Akinsete: Irish-Nigerian defender joins H. Zehlendorf on free transfer from Croatia Berlin

Irish-Nigerian right-back Isaac Akinsete has joined FC Hertha 03 Zehlendorf on a free transfer from Croatia Berlin. The 24-year-old switches within the German capital to move up into the NOFV-Oberliga Nord, with the deal completed ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

Akinsete, who is right-footed and stands at 1.78m, arrives having established himself in Berlins regional football over the past two seasons. He leaves Croatia Berlin after a year in the Berlin-Liga, having previously made the same step across the city from Berlin Turkspor, also on a free transfer.

Zehlendorf gain a defender with significant experience at Oberliga level. Akinsete has already made 63 appearances in the NOFV-Oberliga Nord, contributing one goal and three assists and accumulating more than 4,700 minutes in the competition. He has also featured regularly in the Berlin-Liga and regional cup competitions, adding over 2,600 league minutes in Berlins top amateur tier.

Before his time in Germany, Akinsete came through the ranks at UCD in Ireland, progressing from the UCD Academy into the first team in 2019. He featured in both the League of Ireland First Division and Premier Division, scoring once and providing one assist in just two second-tier appearances, as well as playing in the FAI Cup.

Spells with Germania Leer and Optik Rathenow preceded his moves to Berlin Turkspor and Croatia Berlin, marking a steady rise through the German regional system. Akinsetes move to H. Zehlendorf is a permanent free transfer completed on 11 July 2026.