Legendary Ghana midfielder Michael Essien has called on Caleb Yirenkyi to remain disciplined and committed after the 20-year-old completed his move to Coventry City.
Coventry City have not revealed the transfer fee, although the deal is understood to be worth about £30m. That would make Yirenkyi the record sale for FC Nordsjælland.
Essien, who is now an assistant coach at the Danish Superliga club, praised Yirenkyi’s approach to his career and said he hoped the midfielder would make a successful start to the next stage of his development.
The former Ghana international also encouraged his compatriot to preserve the work ethic that helped him become one of Denmark’s most highly regarded young players.
“Your hard work, dedication, attitude, and willingness to learn will continue to push you to greater heights. Stay humble, disciplined, respectful, and keep working hard. Wishing you all the best,” Essien wrote on Facebook, accompanying the message with football and love emojis.
Yirenkyi began his football education at Ghana’s Right to Dream Academy before moving to Denmark in 2024. He made his senior debut for FC Nordsjælland at the age of 18 and soon established himself as one of the country’s most promising emerging talents.
His performances during the 2025/26 campaign helped FC Nordsjælland finish third in the Danish Superliga. That result secured the club a place in the UEFA Conference League.
Yirenkyi’s individual displays were also recognised with the Danish Superliga Young Player of the Year award. He was additionally selected for the competition’s Team of the Year.
Essien said he had been impressed by the midfielder’s attitude and urged him to carry those qualities into his new surroundings at Coventry City.
The transfer marks a major step in Yirenkyi’s career after only two seasons in senior football. His progress at FC Nordsjælland, combined with the club’s record transfer fee, has placed him among Ghana’s most closely watched young players.
Coventry City are the club identified in the report as Yirenkyi’s new destination, while the transfer fee remains undisclosed officially. The move is understood to be worth around £30m, surpassing the previous record sale made by FC Nordsjælland.
Essien’s message comes as Yirenkyi begins adapting to a new league, a new club and increased expectations following his breakthrough season in Denmark.
