By Edward Francis Dalliah
German International with Sierra Leonean heritage, Antonio Rudiger made headlines last week after he flew into The Gambia during his holidays from competitive football. The Real Madrid centre-back met rising football star Adama Bojang who’s made the transfer shortlist of some of Europe’s elite Football Clubs.
In a video which has now gone viral, the German defender shared some words of encouragement with the Gambian “Hurricane” about taking the next step in his career in Europe. Rudiger hinted that Adama could be heading to Spain’s La Liga when he said: “We are only not brothers by nation, we are also brothers in the league”.
Playing for the most decorated club in European Club football, Rudiger’s statement may just have been a slip of the tongue or it could actually mean that the Gambian Hurricane will be snubbing whole hosts of Premier League Clubs to develop his career in Spain.
To date, numerous Sports Media outlets like Sport Bible and the Guardian have reported that Manchester United, Newcastle United, Chelsea FC, Crystal Palace, Liverpool, Tottenham and Wolverhampton were all hot on the heels of the Gambian starlet. Although Gamfoot has reported that Adama Bojang has decided to reject Wolverhampton who finished mid-table in the Premier League in 2022/2023.
Speaking to Rudiger, Adama noted that he “wants to be part of the bigger clubs in Europe”. According to Bojang, he wants to develop himself “as a young player then gradually go up there so when am up, I know I can maintain the level”. In response, Rudiger cautioned him not to relent when he gets to Europe and that the journey has only begun.
Adama’s European Football dream seems certain to happen after his prolific performance during the AFCON Under 20 where he fired a hattrick against South Sudan. The Gambia eventually clinched silver, coming second in the AFCON against neighbours Senegal which in turn secured their appearance at the Under 20 FIFA World Cup in Argentina.
He followed up his hot streak by firing two goals during the tournament. The Gambian Hurricane made another record as his number 20 autographed jersey was featured in the FIFA Museum.
After playing his last competitive game in The Gambia the Hurricane took to social media to announce that “I feel so proud of myself and the club together with my teammates”. Speaking on his next move, Adama believes that his next move to another club “lies in the hands of Allah”, however, he “would love to play in the top European leagues”.
If Real Madrid Star, Antonio Rudiger’s comments are anything to go by, the Gambian Hurricane could be working up a Spanish storm in La Liga.