Yacqub Finey: GIF Sundsvall Playmaker Completes Move to Excelsior Rotterdam

Yacqub Finey has completed a permanent transfer from GIF Sundsvall to Dutch side Excelsior, sealing a move that takes the attacking midfielder from Sweden’s Superettan to the Eredivisie. The 22-year-old joins the Rotterdam club on a deal that begins on 2026-07-01 and runs until 2027-06-30, marking his first move abroad and confirming his status as an Eredivisie player rather than a domestic prospect.

The switch, officially recorded on 2026-07-01, ends Finey’s spell with GIF Sundsvall and installs him immediately into Excelsior’s squad for the upcoming campaign in the Netherlands’ top flight. While the transfer fee has not been disclosed and is listed as “?”, his current market value is stated at €500k, underlining that this is a significant investment in a player still at an early stage of his career.

Born in Göteborg and holding both Swedish and Somali nationality, Finey arrives in Rotterdam as a left-footed attacking midfielder whose primary position is in the No.10 role. His development in Sweden culminated at GIF Sundsvall, where he featured in the Superettan, the country’s second tier. From there, he now steps into the more demanding environment of the Eredivisie, with all the attendant exposure and competitive pressure that brings.

The move also carries contractual intrigue. With his Excelsior deal only confirmed as running to 2027-06-30, there is a clear pathway that could see Finey become a free agent at the end of that term if no extension is agreed. For Excelsior, securing a young, versatile midfielder on a relatively short contract offers both upside in performance terms and potential flexibility in the future transfer market.

Finey’s profile hints at why Excelsior have made their move. At 22, with a €500k valuation and experience in Sweden’s professional leagues, he represents a blend of potential and readiness. His time in the Superettan with GIF Sundsvall has given him regular first-team football and the grounding needed to handle the physical and tactical demands of senior competition, even if detailed match-by-match statistics are not publicly outlined in this data.

From a tactical perspective, his left foot and natural tendency to operate between the lines should suit an Eredivisie that often rewards creative midfielders who can receive in tight spaces and link midfield to attack. Excelsior, consistently looking to punch above their weight in the Dutch top flight, appear to view Finey as a player who can add craft and technical security in the final third.

For the player himself, the transfer is a clear career milestone. Moving from GIF Sundsvall and the Superettan to Excelsior and the Eredivisie places him on a much more visible stage, with the chance to test himself against some of Europe’s best-known development clubs and attacking players. It also strengthens his profile for both Swedish and Somali football circles, where dual-national talents playing in prominent European leagues are followed closely.

As Finey begins this new chapter in Rotterdam, the next two seasons will be critical. Strong performances in the Eredivisie could elevate his market value well beyond €500k, attract interest from larger clubs, and shape his long-term trajectory, whether that leads to a renewed deal with Excelsior or a future move once his contract approaches its 2027-06-30 expiry.