Malawian midfielder Gerald Phiri Junior has terminated his contract with Sudanese giants Al Hilal on mutual consent.
Phiri Junior moved to Al Hilal in 2021 on a three-year deal after leaving South Africa side Baroka FC.
The contract with the Sudanese giants was set to expire next year.
The development means the talented midfielder is a free agent and could sign for another club in the current international transfer window.
Phiri Junior’s manager Paul Mitchel of Siyavuma Sports Group said they are working on the player’s next move.
’’It is indeed true that the contract has been terminated due to the war. I will let you know when there is news,’’ Mitchel said.
Phiri Junior’s father Gerald Senior said his son needed to leave the Khartoum-based team on safety grounds.
’’We sat down as a family and resolved to terminate the contract for safety reasons. We do not know when the situation will normalise in Sudan. In the meantime, his manager is looking for another team to sign him,’’ he said.
The lanky dead ball specialist also wrote on his Facebook page, confirming the development.
Sudan is currently torn apart between two rival military factions battling for control of the vast country.
Phiri Junior made his debut for Al Hilal in the Caf Champions League against Mamelodi Sundowns in February last year.
The 1.8 metre-tall player is an efficient footballer who has several goals to his name from free kicks.
He moved to Sudan after playing for several clubs in South Africa’s DStv Premiership.
Mighty Mukuru Wanderers introduced Phiri Junior onto the big stage, where he did enough to impress Zimbabwe giants Caps United.
A move to Bidvest Wits of South Africa followed, but with little impact as he only managed three appearances and just one goal.
He also had loan spells at Platinum FC in South Africa and Township Rollers in Botswana.
During the 2019 Cosafa Cup, Phiri was voted as Player of the Tournament, having scored three goals and provided three assists in five matches.
