Jonah Ayunga, the Kenyan international forward currently plying his trade for St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership, has seen his hopes of a lucrative move to Asia dashed in recent weeks. Despite being linked with several clubs in the region, Ayunga now finds himself remaining in Scotland, potentially seeking an improved contract with his current club.
The 26-year-old striker, who joined St Mirren in the summer of 2022, has been a valuable asset for the Paisley-based club. However, his progress was temporarily halted when he suffered a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in January 2023, sidelining him for a significant period.
Despite this setback, Ayunga’s potential attracted interest from Asian clubs looking to bolster their attacking options. The prospect of a big-money move seemed tantalising for both the player and St Mirren, who could have benefited from a substantial transfer fee. However, for reasons undisclosed, these propositions failed to materialise, leaving Ayunga to continue his career in Scotland.
The forward’s current contract with St Mirren runs until the summer of 2025, following an extension he signed in September 2023. At the time, Ayunga expressed his happiness at the club, stating, “Before I got injured, I was enjoying it here more than I have at any other club.”
This season, Ayunga has been working his way back to full fitness and form. In the 2024/2025 Scottish Premiership campaign, he has made 17 appearances so far, showcasing his shooting prowess with an impressive 80% shot accuracy. He has taken 5 shots, with 4 on target, demonstrating his ability to trouble opposition defenses.
However, Ayunga’s goal-scoring record this season suggests there’s room for improvement. With a conversion rate of 20%, he currently needs an average of 5 shots to score a goal. This statistic might be a factor in his reported desire for an improved contract, as he looks to prove his worth to the club and potential suitors alike.
As for Ayunga’s next move, it remains to be seen whether he will seek pastures new or commit his long-term future to St Mirren. His current market value is estimated at €450,000 (approximately Ksh 64.8 million), reflecting his status as one of the more valuable Kenyan players in the transfer market.
