Former Portsmouth striker Kusini Yengi's nightmare stint at Aberdeen over as he makes UK exit
Former Pompey striker Kusini Yengi has been granted a fresh start after a nightmare spell at Aberdeen
Kusini Yengi’s two-and-a-half year stint in the UK has come to an end.
The former Pompey striker, who played a key role in the Blues’ 2023-24 League One title success, has finally sealed his much-anticipated move away from Scottish Premiershp side Aberdeen.
Yengi, from Australia, has endured a nightmare stint at Pittodrie, after moving north of the border on a free transfer in the summer and signing a three-year deal.
But he hasn’t been short of interest since being disgarded from the Dons’ league plans back in September - and on Thursday he accepted an offer from Cerezo Osaka to continue his career in Japan’s J League.
The 27-year-old has moved to the Sakura on loan until June 15, by which stage another decision will need to be taken on his future.
Osaka, who are managed by fellow Aussie Arthur Papas, finished 10th in the J League last season. They kick off their 2026 campaign against Gamba Osaka on Saturday, February 7.
Incidentally, Yengi joins brother Tete in moving to Japan after the Livingston striker opted for a loan switch to FC Machida Zelvia, after two years with the Scottish top-flight side.
Upon his arrival, Yengi said: ‘It is a great honor to join Cerezo Osaka. I am looking forward to playing in front of the fans and supporters, and to competing as a member of this historic club. I will do my best for the club.’
Kusini Yengi’s time at Aberdeen
Yengi, 27, made just 10 appearances for Aberdeen, who sacked manager Jimmy Thelin at the beginning of January as they sat eighth in the table.
Half of those appearances came in the Dons’ Europa Conference League campaign over the first half of the season, of which only one came as a starter.
Meanwhile, the Socceroos international’s last league outing came against Dundee United on September 25 as a 25th-minute substitite. That was one of only four Scottish Premiership appearances made by Yengi, whose only goal for the club came against Morton in a League Cup game back in August.
The striker remained frozen out of the Aberdeen first-team picture under interim manager Peter Levin.
Yengi’s departure to Osaka ends a difficult period that dates back to the summer of 2024 on these shores.
After scoring nine league goals in 26 League One appearances during a memorable maiden campaign at Fratton Park, the former Western Sydney Wanderers frontman wasn’t able to replicate those numbers on the Blues’ return to the second tier of English football.
A combination of injuries and poor form saw him feature just 14 times without scoring during Pompey’s 2024-25 season. He was subsequently released last summer, despite the south-coast side having the option of extending his stay by another 12 months.
Yengi’s move to a new club comes at a time when the Blues remain on the lookout for additional firepower in the final days of the transfer window.
Pompey’s two main striking options this season, Colby Bishop and Makenzie Kirk, have three goals between them all season, with both frontmen featuring in a combined total of 37 games this term.
Pompey’s top scorer in the league is attacking midfielder Adrian Segecic with six goals, which is just three more than right-back Terry Devlin.
The Blues’ only other central striking option at present is young Aussie striker Thomas Waddingham, who has been out injured since the end of August.
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