Rufai Mohammed: Ghana defender joins Venezia ahead of Serie A campaign

Ghanaian centre-back Rufai Mohammed has joined Venezia from Elfsborg on loan, completing a move to the Italian club at the age of 20.

Mohammed becomes a Venezia player after leaving Swedish side Elfsborg, with the loan dated 1 September 2026. The defenders move takes him from Swedens Allsvenskan to Serie A, adding a new chapter to a career that began in Ghana before progressing through European football.

The 20-year-old has already made an appearance this season, starting and completing the full 90 minutes in Elfsborgs Svenska Cupen campaign. He scored once in that match, recording his only senior goal of the current season.

Mohammed joined Elfsborg from Ghanaian club Inter Allies in March 2024. He subsequently spent time on loan at Varnamo during the 2024-25 season, before returning to Elfsborg in November 2025 when that temporary spell ended.

The defenders previous senior moves have therefore included a permanent switch from Inter Allies to Elfsborg and a loan spell with Varnamo. His latest transfer represents another temporary move, with Venezia securing his services from the Swedish club for the 2026-27 campaign.

Mohammed was born on 15 March 2006 and represents Ghana. He is listed as a centre-back and stands 1.98m tall, giving Venezia a physically imposing option in central defence.

His arrival comes after a season in which he made a full-match appearance in the Svenska Cupen, contributing a goal from defence. Venezias agreement places him in a new domestic competition and gives him the opportunity to continue his senior career in Italy.

The loan deal is scheduled to run until 30 June 2027, when Mohammed is due to return to Elfsborg.