Author: @football_sierra

Football Sierra Leone, all you need to know about the game in Sierra Leone and Sierra Leonean players at home and Abroad.The award-winning website also covers football from across the continent.
by @football_sierra

Nicolas Jackson is excited to reconnect with Unai Emery at Aston Villa

The Senegalese striker Nicolas Jackson played under Emery at Villarreal before moving to the Premier League, joining Chelsea in 2023 after his stint with the Spanish side Villarreal.

Now, after two seasons in London and one at Bayern Munich, Jackson feels this is the right move for him.

Jackson was part of the Chelsea teams that claimed both the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup titles. He scored 13 goals throughout that season, with one being in the Wroclaw final against Real Betis.

The 25-year-old competed for the Blues under Xabi Alonso during pre-season, but he is now moving to Villa Park, marking the conclusion of his time at Stamford Bridge.

Jackson is thrilled that his transfer to Villa has finally taken place after a period of being linked with the club.

“I’m very happy because it’s a massive club,” he said. “I’ve been looking forward to joining here for years, and I’m ready to work.”

by @football_sierra

Gillingham sign Gambian striker Lamin Sillah

Gillingham has signed striker Lamin Sillah on a one-year loan from Nottingham Forest.

The 20-year-old joined Forest last summer on a three-year contract from Olympiacos. He will be ready to play in Gillingham’s home game against Northampton Town on Saturday.

Sillah, who is a Gambian U20 international, began his career at Steve Biko FC in his home country. He moved to Greece in 2024, where he scored nine goals in 17 games in the U19 Super League before joining Nottingham Forest.

“I feel it’s the right time for me to go on loan, and Nottingham Forest have been really supportive,” Sillah said on the club website. “I’m quick, and I will give everything I have. I can’t wait; I feel great about it.”

by @football_sierra

Senegal international El Hadji Malick Diouf joins Brentford

Brentford has signed Senegal international El Hadji Malick Diouf from West Ham United for an undisclosed fee. The 21-year-old has a five-year contract with an option for another year.

Diouf joins after a solid season with West Ham, in which he recorded five assists in 32 Premier League appearances. He also played for Senegal in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Brentford head coach Keith Andrews is excited about the signing, stating that Diouf fits their ideal age profile and has potential for growth. He added that Diouf’s skills will strengthen the team.

Born in Dakar, Senegal, Diouf began with Galaxy Football Academy before moving to Europe at 18, signing with Norway’s Tromsø in February 2023. He made 21 appearances, scored three goals, and helped the team place third.

In January 2024, he transferred to Slavia Prague, where he scored on his league debut and became a key player, scoring seven goals and contributing three assists in 27 league matches. Slavia won the Czech First League title that season.

Diouf moved to West Ham in July 2025, debuting against Sunderland. He became a regular left-back for the team.

He made his senior debut for Senegal in September 2024 and was part of the team that beat England in June 2025. He also played in both the 2025 AFCON and the 2026 World Cup.

by @football_sierra

Egypt’s Omar Marmoush joins Tottenham on a season-long loan

Tottenham has signed Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush on loan until the end of the season, with a commitment to buy him for £60 million next summer.

The 27-year-old Egyptian international will join former City teammate Savio, who moved to Spurs for £75 million. Marmoush said, “Tottenham Hotspur is one of the biggest clubs in England, and the project was very attractive to me.”

He joined City from Eintracht Frankfurt for £59 million in January 2025 and scored 16 goals in 62 games. Last season, he came off the bench in 13 of his 21 league appearances, as Erling Haaland was the preferred striker.

This summer, Spurs have spent over £312 million, also signing Mateus Fernandes, Sandro Tonali, and Jan Paul van Hecke. They brought in defenders Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson and goalkeeper Martin Dubravka for free.

De Zerbi praised Marmoush, saying, “He has incredible attacking quality and a desire to improve and win. He can take our attacking play to another level.”

Ghana international Thomas Partey joins Al-Shabab
by @football_sierra

Ghana international Thomas Partey joins Al-Shabab

Saudi Pro League team Al-Shabab has signed Ghana international Thomas Partey.

Partey, 33, was a free agent this summer after Villarreal chose not to extend his contract. He played 167 games for Arsenal between 2020 and 2025.

Partey is set to go on trial next year after pleading not guilty to seven charges of rape and one charge of sexual assault. These allegations involve four women and relate to incidents between 2020 and 2022.

During the World Cup this summer, Partey was not allowed to enter Canada before Ghana’s first match against Panama due to the ongoing criminal proceedings in the UK.

He wrongly told officials that he had never been arrested or charged with a crime. He played in Ghana’s other three matches in the tournament, but the team lost in the last 32 stage against Colombia.

Al-Shabab, which includes former Burnley captain Josh Brownhill and ex-Wolves winger Daniel Podence, finished 13th last season and lost their first match this season.