In a major move ahead of the upcoming 2024 season, USL Championship side Hartford Athletic has officially secured the signing of Sierra Leone international Emmanuel Samadia.
The deal is currently awaiting approval from both the league and the federation.
Samadia boasts an impressive track record, having made 89 appearances between 2020 and 2023, notching up ten assists and scoring two goals.
His pivotal role in helping his team clinch the Liga Leumit Toto Cup in January 2023 stands out as a testament to his skills.
A versatile player who operates as both a defender and winger, Samadia has been a key figure for the Sierra Leone national team since his debut against Niger in 2020, accumulating thirteen international caps.
Recently, the 22-year-old showcased his prowess by providing crucial assists in consecutive matches against Ethiopia and Egypt during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Hartford Athletic CEO Nick Sakiewicz expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, “Emmanuel is a young, ambitious player with great potential.
He is an exceptional athlete who has consistently performed well for his national team against some of Africa’s top competitors.”
Samadia’s journey to Hartford includes a three-year stint with Hapoel Umm al-Fahm and Hapoel Rishon leZion in Liga Leumit, the second division of the Israeli Football League.
The Freetown-native initiated his professional career with FC Kallon in the Sierra Leone Premier League, making a name for himself from 2019 to 2021.
