Exclusive: Ibrahim Zubairu on Partizan’s European Push, Feyenoord Links & Black Stars Hope

Ibrahim Zubairu has become a mainstay of Partizan Belgrade's team. 

The promising 20-year-old Ghanaian talent has been making waves in the Serbia, scoring 9 goals and providing 3 assists, predominantly playing as a left winger. 

With only a few matches remaining in the season, Zubairu reflects on his Serbian SuperLiga debut season, Partizan's return to European competition, and how he is navigating the pressure from potential suitors.

Zubairu's journey from the Ghana Premier League to a major breakthrough in Serbia isn't really surprising, given his determination and willingness to give his all. 

With a total of 29 goals and 3 assists in 87 matches across all competitions in less than 3 years, his achievement is worth celebrating, especially considering his young age. 

The former Ghana U-20 captain dominated the headlines as one of the in-form players from Ghana's pool globally, but unfortunately, couldn't make Black Stars head coach Otto Addo's cut. However, this doesn't take away from the fact that he is in great form, with several European clubs lurking around for his signature in the summer.

SERBIA, MORE THAN A HOME

Transfer moves to new territories have seen the collapse of many great talents owing to several constraints such as adaptation, culture, competition within squad and many others. 

Similarly, Zubairu's journey serves as a counterexample to this trend. 

From, King Faisal in Ghana, he became a regular starter for FK Jedinstvo Ub and later Partizan Belgrade, which follows in the same trajectory. For the winger it has been determination and hardwork.

"It hasn't been an easy journey for me, but I'm glad to be here. Hard work and self-belief have been crucial in the last few years of my career. My club, the fans, and teammates love me, and I think it should be enough motivation for me to give my all," Zubairu told SportsBoom.com. 

"Since it's not my home country, everything might not be 100 percent in terms of seeing some of the people I care about. Nevertheless, this great country of Serbia has been a home for me, and I'm grateful to everyone here in Autokomanda for their support and belief. I just want to give my best to the club."

EUROPEAN GLORY, ZUBAIRU EYES HISTORY

For almost 59 years, the Black-Whites have failed to flex their European muscles. 

The closest they've come as a club was the May 1966 final at Heysel Stadium in Brussels, but they were beaten 2-1 by Real Madrid in full time. 

Zubairu believes they can relive the 1960s glory when they return to Europe.

"We've got a great team and a good coach. Why can't I dream? I have to. I believe it's a moment everyone in this great club and our fans dream of. We're not here by chance; our position on the SuperLiga table speaks volumes of our efforts. I don't want to talk much, but as a team, we're very, very ready for any opponents, and I can assure you of that," says the tricky winger.

Unfortunately, FK Partizan's European campaign came to an abrupt end last season after a narrow defeat to the Belgian side Gent in the UEFA Conference League qualifying phase. The Black-Whites bowed out of the competition, conceding two crucial goals over the two-legged fixture, ultimately falling short of reaching the UEFA Conference League group stage.

RUMOURED FEYENOORD BID REJECTED

Though Zubairu is enjoying his time at Autokomanda, Partizan Belgrade have a herculean task on their hands to keep their talisman at the club beyond this summer, according to sources close to SportsBoom.com. 

The Ghanaian international has attracted a number of suitors from Europe's top leagues, with Eredivisie outfit Feyenoord leading the race, though its rumoured initial bid of over 3 million euros was rejected in the January transfer window after falling short of the winger's asking price. 

SportsBoom.com understands that it will take a bid of slightly over 5 million euros for the Black-Whites to consider any offer from the Dutch giants for the Ghana U-23 player, who has been in terrific form in Serbia. With more than two years remaining on his contract, the club faces a crucial decision about his future this summer: whether to keep him or cash in.

READY TO SERVE THE BLACK STARS

The followers of the Serbia SuperLiga are shocked that Zubairu's impressive performances for Partizan Belgrade have gone unnoticed by Black Stars head coach Otto Addo. 

However, the player remains unperturbed, focusing on his club's success while awaiting his first senior national team call-up.

"The Black Stars will always be the Black Stars," Zubairu said. 

"I'll be very glad to play for them. Having played for the national U-20 and U-23 teams, I know anything can happen. I'm always open to a Black Stars call-up. I just need to put in more work for my club, Partizan Belgrade. I'm happy with my development at the Partizan Stadium, and that's my top priority right now."