IK Start have signed Swedish-Nigerian centre-forward Santino Samuyiwa on a free transfer from Real Sociedad C. The 20-year-old has agreed a deal with the Norwegian club running until 30 June 2029.
Samuyiwa, who stands at 1.85m, moves to Start after a spell in Spain with Real Sociedad’s youth and C-team set-up. He joined the Basque club from Swedish side Orgryte’s U17s in 2022 and progressed through their youth ranks before stepping up to Real Sociedad C for the 2024-25 campaign.
Capable of leading the line through the middle, Samuyiwa arrives in Norway having gained international youth experience with Real Sociedad in the Premier League International Cup at under-21 level. He featured in all three of Real Sociedad’s matches in that competition last season, starting each game and playing the majority of available minutes.
The switch to IK Start marks Samuyiwa’s first move into senior football in Scandinavia since leaving Sweden as a teenager. Born in January 2006 and eligible for both Sweden and Nigeria, he will now continue his development in the Norwegian system after four years abroad.
Samuyiwa’s free transfer from Real Sociedad C to IK Start is effective from 23 July 2026 and ties him to the club for three years.
