AFC Wimbledon are delighted to announce the signing of striker Derick Osei Yaw on a short-term deal until the end of the season.
The 23-year-old has signed for the Dons following a successful trial period and comes straight into the squad for our game against Cheltenham Town later today.
Osei Yaw began his career in his native France with Toulouse, before taking in brief spells with Stade Brestois 29 and AS Béziers.
A versatile forward player who operates predominately as a central striker, he also boasts previous experience of playing in the English Football League for Oxford United and Walsall – having signed for the former in August 2020.
Speaking shortly after putting pen to paper on his contract, Osei Yaw was quick to express his delight at earning a deal with the Dons.
“I’m very happy. I’ve been here since Monday, and I just can’t wait to get started with the team,” he said. “I have always wanted to play football in England since I was young. The culture and the football over here is amazing. I learnt a lot at Oxford and Walsall and I’m just happy to be playing in English football again.”
A former France youth international, our new striker is also under no illusions about the task ahead as we seek to secure our League One status for another year.
“I have to be ready. There are nine games left and the goal is to stay in this league. I can play centrally, out wide, and run in behind – I just want to score goals.”
After losing Aaron Pressley to a season-ending injury, Robbo was keen to add to his attacking options and quickly called upon one of his contacts within the game to bring Osei Yaw in for the remainder of the season.
“It was through an agent that I’ve known for years,” said Robbo. “He rang me on the off chance about Derick and asked me if we wanted to have a look at him because he had been offered a contract in Norway. With our forward situation, it would’ve been silly not to take a look at him. He came in for a week and did really well.”
Osei Yaw adds to the likes of Sam Cosgrove, Zach Robinson and Terry Ablade as our recognised striking options with our Head Coach keen to further fill the void left by Ollie Palmer’s departure in January.
“It’s a great opportunity for him. You don’t play for France at the levels he’s played at if you haven’t got talent,” explained Robbo. “That’s the one thing that I know we can do here – we can bring the best out of players, improve players and develop players. So, I’m looking forward to working with him.”
Derick will wear the number 46 shirt for the Dons.
Pics: Ian Stephen.
Click on the links below for interviews with Derick and Robbo.