Sparta Prague Signs Nigerian Striker Victor Olatunji
Sparta Prague, the reigning league champions, have announced the signing of Nigerian striker Victor Olatunji on a long-term contract. Olatunji becomes the fourth summer signing for the club, according to their official website.
The sporting director of Sparta Prague, Tomas Rosicky, stated that Olatunji brings interesting physical and speed parameters to the team. He also mentioned that the club currently lacks a player with Olatunji’s attacking qualities, making him a valuable addition to the squad.
Rosicky further added that Olatunji has the potential to continue developing in their environment, which was a key reason for bringing him to the club.
Olatunji joined Sparta Prague on loan from Cypriot club AEK Larnaka in January. During the spring part of the season, he scored eight goals in 18 league matches, helping Slovan Liberec finish in seventh place.
At the end of May, Slovan Liberec exercised their option to buy Olatunji and turned his loan into a permanent transfer.
Zbynek Sciller, the president of Slovan Liberec, stated that their club focuses on developing talented players who can further advance in their careers. He mentioned that Olatunji’s performances during the previous season showcased his quality and caught the attention of Sparta Prague.
Sciller added that the offer from Sparta Prague was attractive for both the player and the club, leading them to accept it and allow Olatunji to take the next step in his career.
Olatunji has previous experience in the Slovak league, having played for Inter Bratislava and Podbrezova. He also featured in 20 competitive matches and scored two goals for AEK Larnaka in the first half of the season. Additionally, he participated in the group stage of the Europa League and Champions League qualifiers.
The 22-year-old Nigerian striker is expected to replace Tomas Chory in Sparta Prague’s squad. Chory, a 22-year-old Czech international, recently transferred to Bundesliga club Borussia Monchengladbach.
Apart from Olatunji, Sparta Prague has also signed midfielder Michal Svec from Brno, Serbian midfielder Veljko Birmančević from Toulouse, and Slovak goalkeeper Jakub Surovcik from Jablonec during the summer break.
Under the guidance of Danish coach Brian Priske, Sparta Prague will begin the new league season against Olomouc on Sunday. They will also participate in the Champions League qualifiers in August.
