Sambou's delight as he links up with Unsworth again
Date published: 17 March 2023
Latics' new striker Bassala Sambou. Image courtesy of OAFC
Striker Bassala Sambou has completed a loan move to Latics until the end of the season.
The 25-year-old joins from Crewe Alexandra having been at Gresty Road since January 2022, making 49 appearances.
Born in Hannover, Germany, Sambou’s career in this country began at Coventry before spending three years in the academy at Everton, where he worked with current Latics boss David Unsworth.
“I’m very happy to be here at a great club and I’m really looking forward to using this opportunity to show what I can do,” Sambou said.
“I’m a centre forward who likes to use my pace and energy in attack and work hard to trouble defences.
“Of all the managers I’ve had, Unsy has probably been the one I’ve enjoyed working with the most and has had a big influence on my development.
“He took me on when I was 18 and have always been grateful for everything he’s taught me so I’m looking forward to working with him again.”
Sambou initially joined Coventry as a 15-year-old and, after progressing through the youth ranks, made his senior debut in November 2015.
A quick, athletic player on and off the ball, Sambou secured a move to Everton the following summer, playing under Unsworth in the Under-23s side.
He then moved to Holland with Fortuna Sittard, playing 33 times in the Eredivisie, whilst also spending time on loan in Denmark.
Sambou scored three times for Crewe, including the winner against Leyton Orient in the FA Cup this season.
“Bas is a player I’ve known really well and have worked closely with him before,” Unsworth said.
“I brought him to Everton from Coventry when he was a young player and I’ve seen him develop.
"He’s got great energy, a strong work-rate and technically he’s very good.
“He can score different types of goals, I’ve been keeping an eye on him throughout the season and it’s a good opportunity for us to have a look at him in the games that remain this season.”
Latics head south to fellow mid-table outfit Dagenham and Redbridge for their latest National League clash tomorrow.
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