Joseph Aliu starts Harkemase Boys chapter after Cambuur U19 exit

Joseph Aliu, the 18-year-old Dutch-Nigerian centre-back, has joined Harkemase Boys from Cambuur U19 on a free transfer.

The move was completed on 14 August 2026, with Aliu switching to the club’s Derde Divisie A side after two years with Cambuur’s under-19 team. No contract length has been disclosed.

Born in Leeuwarden, Aliu stands at 1.88m and is a right-footed defender. His move to Harkemase Boys represents his first recorded step from youth football into a senior club environment.

Aliu spent the 2025-26 period with Cambuur U19, making nine appearances across the U19 Div. 2 Spring competition and the U19 Cup Netherlands. He played 643 minutes in total, including eight league appearances and one cup outing.

The defender joined Cambuur U19 from LAC Frisia’s youth setup on 1 July 2024, also in a free transfer. His progression through youth football has now taken him to Harkemase Boys, where he will play in the Netherlands’ Derde Divisie A.

Aliu is eligible to represent both the Netherlands and Nigeria through his nationality, while his listed playing role is centre-back. His arrival adds an 18-year-old defender to Harkemase Boys’ squad for the 2026-27 season.

The transfer was completed without a fee, with Aliu leaving Cambuur U19 for Harkemase Boys on 14 August 2026.