21yo explains why he left Arsenal after the January deadline

Arsenal’s Charles Sagoe Jr. has explained why he decided this week to join Kalmar FF on an unconventional loan lasting until January 2027.

Photo via Sagoe Jr. on Instagram

Over a week after the Premier League’s January transfer window deadline, Arsenal youngster Charles Sagoe Jr. confirmed a loan move to Swedish side Kalmar FF lasting until January 2027.

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The Swedish Allsvenskan runs on a calendar-year basis kicking off in April, and their transfer window doesn’t close until the end of March, hence the unusual loan period and the late confirmation of the move.

Kalmar will be involved in the Swedish Cup before that though, with three group stage games planned for February 21st, March 1st, and March 8th.

Photo via Sagoe Jr. on Instagram

As for why Sagoe Jr. made the transfer, he explained his reasoning in an interview with Fotbollskanalen.

“I felt I needed a fresh start and an opportunity to show what I can do,” Sagoe Jr. said (via Sport Witness).

“When I found out that Kalmar was interested in me, I did my research. I spoke with the sporting director, the coach, and others at the club. Everyone spoke so highly of the club and how hard everyone here works to develop. It felt like the right place for me to develop into first-team football.

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“I will always be eternally grateful that I became part of Arsenal at such a young age. The club has constantly shaped me, pushed me, and given me the opportunity to improve at all levels. I hope to take a lot of that with me to this loan spell in Kalmar.”

Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images

Sagoe Jr. has been having a positive season with the Arsenal u21s up to this point, scoring five and assisting a further seven in his 14 appearances for the side.

But the 21-year-old made his senior debut for Arsenal well over two years ago now, and he really needs more first-team opportunities. Kalmar should offer him plenty over the next 12 months.

Sagoe Jr. will then have a decision to make on his Arsenal future, with reports suggesting his current deal expires in June 2027.

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