Football: Torric Jibril, Quansah go professional

Portsmouth sign Torric Jibril

English side Portsmouth have won the race to sign Ghana wonderkid Torric Jibril from local club Hearts of Oak.

The 17-year-old signed a three-year contract with Pompey even though he was being tracked by Arsenal and Atletico Madrid.

Torric, who has already made a handful of Ghana national team appearances, was grabbed for an undisclosed fee after spending three weeks with the club.

Hearts of Oak will benefit from the onward transfer of the player in the deal that ensures that the player's academic education would be continued.

Torric exclusively told Ghanasoccernet.com: "This is a very important moment in my career because it has always been my dream to play with a top club in Europe.

"I have been here for many days and I am happy with the facilities here and I am now relieved that the deal has been completed.

"I can fully concentrate on my career and hope that I can continue to develop to become what a lot of people expect me to be."

The youngster will join Portsmouth's feeder team in Belgium, Zulte Waregem, later this month as his work permit is being sorted out.

Portsmouth invited the left-sided midfielder for an observation and the player's guardian Prince Umar Ibrahim says the have secured the best deal in the interest of the hugely talented player.

"The family have made it known if Portsmouth were interested in taking him, they would be interested in his development to as well going," Ibrahim told Ghanasoccernet.com.

He added: "Portsmouth have proved to us that they can provide the family environment for Torric to reach his potential.

Established Ghana international Torric is only 17 years old but he has risen to become the crown jewel of one of Africa's top clubs and has already played many matches for Hearts.

His superstar compatriots Stephen Appiah and Michael Essien both insist the 17-year-old sensation has the quality to play in the top-flight.