Saleh Haruna: Nigerian left-back joins MFK Bytca on free transfer from FK Podkonice

Nigerian defender Saleh Haruna has joined Slovak side MFK Bytca on a free transfer from FK Podkonice.

The 20-year-old left-back, born in Abuja on 1 January 2006, makes the move within Slovakia after spending the second half of last season at Podkonice. The deal was completed on 9 July 2026, with Haruna switching clubs as a free agent.

Haruna operates primarily at left-back and will add depth on the flank for Bytca as they compete in the II. Liga. His arrival continues a rapid rise through European football over the past two seasons, having moved from academy football into senior squads in both Greece and Slovakia.

Before his spell at Podkonice, Haruna was on the books of PAOK in Greece, progressing from the clubs U19 side to PAOK Saloniki B in 2025. His time in Thessaloniki included a Greek U19 Cup triumph in the 2024-25 season with PAOKs youth team, giving him early experience of silverware in a competitive environment.

Haruna first moved to Europe from Nigerian outfit Unique FA, joining PAOKs U19s in March 2025. He made at least one recorded appearance in the Greek U19 Super League, featuring in that competition before stepping up to PAOKs B team and then moving on to Slovakia.

Now established at MFK Bytca, Harunas transfer from FK Podkonice marks the latest step in his development in European football.