Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Jay tee Kamara joins Portland Hearts of Pine in the US
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Jay tee Kamara joins Portland Hearts of Pine in the US

Sierra Leone’s Jay Tee Kamara has returned to the USA, joining the Portland Hearts of Pine after leaving the Swedish club Sandvikens IF. He spent one of his two seasons playing in the Swedish Second Division.

“I’m excited to be a part of the first-ever team in Portland, Maine, and I’m looking forward to bringing joy and excitement to all our supporters,” Kamara said.

Jay Tee’s soccer journey began in the vibrant streets of Sierra Leone, where he was born. He first honed his skills with Alaska FC in Sierra Leone before taking a significant step by moving to the United States to attend Montverde Academy in Florida.

In 2021, Jay Tee signed with Louisville City FC in the USL Championship. That same year, he was loaned to North Carolina FC in USL League One, where he made an immediate impact, recording 21 appearances and scoring 4 goals. In 2022, Jay Tee moved to Columbus Crew 2, where he played a pivotal role in the team’s inaugural season in MLS Next Pro.

In 2023, Jay Tee embarked on a European journey, joining Swedish side Ljungskile SK. Over two seasons, he appeared in 42 matches, scoring 8 goals and solidifying his reputation as a versatile midfielder.

Internationally, Jay Tee represented Sierra Leone at both the U-23 and U-20 levels, showcasing his skills as a left-footed midfielder on the global stage. He now continues his career in Maine with the Hearts of Pine.

 

Sierra Leone's Moses Sesay pens first Pro contract at Southampton
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Moses Sesay pens first Southampton Pro contract

Sierra Leone native Moses Sesay has penned his first professional deal with Southampton, keeping him with the club until 2028.

The 18-year-old Sierra Leone native joined the Saints in 2023 after a stint at Chelsea. After exclusively playing for the Under-18s in his first season, he has moved up to the Under-21s, making his debut and scoring his first goal against West Brom in the Premier League Cup.

Upon signing his contract, Sesay expressed his gratitude, saying, “I’m happy to take this next step, and I’m thankful to everyone who has helped me on this journey.”

Academy Director Andy Goldie praised Sesay’s progress, noting, “He initially joined as a winger but has shown versatility by performing well at left-back and various midfield positions, reflecting his character and development.”

Omar Marmoush proud as first Egyptian player to join Manchester City
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Omar Marmoush proud as first Egyptian player to join Manchester City

The 25-year-old striker has transferred from Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany and has signed a four-and-a-half-year contract. He is the third new player to join the team this week, after Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis.

The Egyptian International will wear the No.7 shirt for Manchester City after completing his move from Eintracht Frankfurt.

Marmoush has been a standout player in the Bundesliga for the past two years and has also been important for the Egyptian national team. He helped Egypt reach the final of the 2021 African Cup of Nations.

“It’s a great honor to be the first Egyptian to play for Manchester City and to show what my country can achieve,” Marmoush told City’s Channel.

“Playing for a big club like this has always been a dream of mine. Now that I am the first Egyptian at Manchester City, I am very happy, and I hope to keep playing at this level.

“The Premier League is the biggest and most followed league in Egypt because of players like Mo Salah and others from Egypt. Most young players dream of being in this league, so I am excited to be here.”

Juma Bah's excellent form continues as Valladolid beat Valencia
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Controversy looming over Juma Bah’s Manchester City transfer

Real Valladolid are threatening legal action after Juma Bah did not turn up for training after paying to terminate his contract; a decision they believe was advised by his agent and Man City – after finalising a deal to join the club on a six-year contract. (Photo Credit Real Valladolid)

Reports from Spain say that City and Valladolid were in talks for a fee of about €8 million, while Fenerbahce and Inter both offered up to €12 million for him.

Bah joined Valladolid on loan from AIK Freetong in his home country of Sierra Leone, and Valladolid used a buy clause in his loan deal that cost €165,000. However, since he is still on a youth contract, City plans to accept a €6 million penalty to end that contract.

On Wednesday afternoon, Valladolid released a statement saying Bah did not show up for training. They also said that the RFEF (Royal Spanish Football Federation) informed them that Bah has paid the necessary amount to cancel his contract unilaterally.

Valladolid expressed their disappointment and anger, believing that City advised Bah and his agent to take this action.

Read the Real Valladolid statement on the present situation over Juma Bah.

Ademola Lookman shines in Atlanta Champions League triumph
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ademola Lookman shines in Atalanta Champions League triumph

Nigerian International and African Best Player Ademola Lookman came off the bench to shine for Atalanta in the Champions League on Tuesday night at the Gewiss Stadium.

Atalanta made it a 5-0 win over Sturm Graz and edged through to the play-off round of the UEFA Champions League in Bergamo. This loss concluded Sturm Graz’s stint in the competition because they were sent packing despite a game in hand.

Unfortunately for Sturm Graz, they hadn’t featured since the Austrian winter break had them out of the pitch for six weeks and almost capitalized on an early lead before Italy forward Matteo Retegui scored for Atalanta from a close-range shot after Davide Zappacosta’s cross to him.

Substitute Ademola Lookman quickly set up Charles De Ketelaere for a goal, but it was disallowed for offside after a VAR review. Lookman had two more chances saved by Sturm Graz goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen. Mario Pasalic then scored from Juan Cuadrado’s cross to make it 2-0.

Atalanta continued to push and scored a third when De Ketelaere (3-0) scored after Sturm Graz could not clear a corner. Lookman missed a one-on-one chance, and substitute Marco Brescianini had a shot blocked. Zappacosta also had a goal disallowed for offside.

Lookman finally scored late in the game, heading in a cross from De Ketelaere. Brescianini added another goal soon after.

A win against Barcelona on Wednesday, January 29, could send Atalanta to the last 16 of the tournament.