Michael Aliu: Nigeria striker joins Udon Banjan on free transfer

Nigeria centre-forward Michael Aliu has joined Udon Banjan from Samui Utd. on a free transfer, adding a 24-year-old left-footed forward to the Thai club’s squad.

Aliu completed the move on 11 September 2026 and has signed a contract running until 30 June 2027. He will wear the number 10 shirt for Udon Banjan.

The 1.98m striker arrives after one season with Samui Utd., whom he joined from Muang Loei Utd. in another free transfer in September 2025. His latest switch is the fourth club move of his senior career, following previous spells with North Bangkok, Songkhla FC and Muang Loei Utd.

Aliu’s record includes seven goals and one assist in seven Thai FA Cup appearances. He also scored once and provided one assist in five appearances in the Thai League 3 Champions League, while making a further appearance in the Thai Cup.

Born in Lagos, Aliu has spent his club career in Thailand. His move to Udon Banjan continues that run, with the forward joining after a season in which he produced his strongest scoring return in the competitions recorded.

The striker’s earlier career began with North Bangkok before he moved to Songkhla FC in December 2023. He then joined Muang Loei Utd. in July 2024, also on a free transfer, before switching to Samui Utd. the following year.

Aliu’s arrival gives Udon Banjan a centre-forward who has shown an ability to contribute goals in domestic cup competition. His seven-goal return in the Thai FA Cup accounts for the majority of his recorded goals, while his performances in the Thai League 3 Champions League also included a goal and an assist.

He has now committed his next season to Udon Banjan, with the agreement set to keep him at the club until the end of June 2027. Michael Aliu’s move from Samui Utd. to Udon Banjan was completed as a free transfer.