Serif Nhaga, a 19-year-old Luso-Guinean left-back, has joined Sampdoria from PSG on a three-and-a-half-year contract, seeking regular first-team football in Serie B.
After making 23 appearances and scoring four goals for PSG’s youth team in the 2023/24 season, Luso-Guinean left-back Serif Nhaga has officially been unveiled as a new signing for Sampdoria, joining the Italian Serie B side on a three-and-a-half-year contract.
This move marks an important step in the young defender’s career, as he transitions from youth football to the professional ranks in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues.
At just 19 years old, Nhaga has already experienced an impressive footballing journey. Born in Guinea-Bissau, he moved to Portugal at a young age and joined FC Porto’s academy, where he honed his skills as a dynamic and attack-minded left-back. His performances at Porto’s youth levels did not go unnoticed, and in 2022, he made the move to Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer, a significant step up in his career.
During his time at PSG, Nhaga developed under the guidance of some of the best coaches and players in the world, gaining valuable experience both in domestic youth competitions and international tournaments. His 23 appearances and four goals in the 2023/24 season showcased his ability to contribute not just defensively but also in attack, a trait highly valued in modern full-backs. His strong performances earned him the opportunity to train with PSG’s senior squad, where he worked alongside stars like Kylian Mbappé, Marquinhos, and Ousmane Dembélé under the supervision of Luis Enrique.
However, despite his progress in Paris, the pathway to the first team was always going to be challenging, given the depth and quality of PSG’s squad. With limited opportunities at the senior level, Nhaga and his representatives sought a move that would provide him with regular first-team football, leading to his switch to Sampdoria.
Sampdoria, a club with a rich history in Italian football, is currently competing in Serie B, aiming to return to the top flight after their relegation from Serie A last season. The club sees Nhaga as an important piece in their long-term project, believing his technical ability, pace, and attacking instincts will add significant value to their squad. Given Sampdoria’s recent struggles, the addition of a young and talented defender like Nhaga could prove vital in their push for promotion back to Serie A.
Nhaga’s move to Italy presents him with a new challenge in a highly tactical league, known for developing strong defensive players. Serie B is a physically demanding and highly competitive league, making it an ideal environment for him to mature as a professional. The experience of playing against seasoned professionals will accelerate his adaptation to senior football, something that was difficult to achieve at PSG due to the competition for places.
Despite his departure from Paris, PSG remains invested in Nhaga’s future. As part of the deal with Sampdoria, the French giants have secured a buy-back option, allowing them the possibility of bringing him back should he develop into a top-level full-back. Additionally, PSG has retained a percentage of any future transfer, ensuring that if Sampdoria sells him to another club in the future, PSG will financially benefit from the move.
For Nhaga, this transfer represents more than just a move to a new club it is an opportunity to establish himself as a professional footballer at a crucial stage in his development. At Sampdoria, he will have the chance to compete for a starting spot, gain regular minutes, and refine his skills in a league that values defensive discipline and tactical intelligence. His ability to adjust to the demands of Italian football will be key in determining whether he can fulfill his potential and attract attention from bigger clubs in the coming years.
As he embarks on this new chapter, all eyes will be on Nhaga to see how he adapts to life in Italy and whether he can make the step up from youth football to the senior game. If he succeeds, his time at Sampdoria could serve as a launching pad for an even bigger move in the future, whether that be a return to PSG or a transfer to another top European club.
