Wayne Rooney's Premier League ambitions at Plymouth Argyle have been bolstered by the signing of Nigerian forward Muhammad Tijani on a season-long loan deal from Slavia Prague, with an option to buy.
The 23-year-old striker, who turns 24 later this month, joined the Championship outfit after a conversation with the legendary Manchester United player himself sealed the deal.
Tijani, who had been expected to leave Slavia Prague since May, has landed a crucial opportunity in the English Championship. The Czech club allowed him to find a new team, and he will now link up with Rooney's squad aiming for a serious promotion challenge.
Slavia Prague will reportedly receive a loan fee and a significant percentage of any future transfer fee if the move becomes permanent.
Tijani spoke to OJB Sports, revealing his astonishment at receiving a direct call from the Plymouth manager. “Actually, he [Wayne Rooney] did [call me],” Tijani said. “He is a football legend not only in England but in the whole world.
“I think it is a good move for me, that's why I took the deal. He really influenced the move, because when he called I was like ‘Wow! Look who is calling, it's Wayne Rooney.' I was shocked. I had to ask my agent, ‘re you sure it's him?' He said, ‘Yes, it's him, of course, just take the call,' and then we spoke, and it was very good.”
Muhammad Tijani joins Rooney's Premier League promotion push
Plymouth Argyle narrowly escaped relegation last season, finishing just one point above the drop zone. However, the club's ambitions have soared with the appointment of Rooney. Tijani joins a squad aiming for a serious promotion challenge in the Championship.
The young Nigerian has played for five clubs, netting 27 goals in 127 appearances.
This move to the south coast of England represents a significant step up for Muhammad Tijani. He has the chance to showcase his talents in a more competitive league and potentially follow in the footsteps of other successful Nigerians in the Premier League.
For Rooney, the signing of Tijani is a calculated move to bolster his attacking options, with a view to challenging for automatic promotion.
