Gambian international Alassana Jatta has officially completed a permanent transfer to Portuguese Primeira Liga side Casa Pia from English club Notts County, bringing to an end one of the most closely followed transfer sagas involving a Gambian player this summer.
Speaking exclusively after the transfer was completed, Jatta’s agent, Modou Lamin Beyai, explained Footy-Africa why Casa Pia ultimately emerged as the perfect destination.
“I am delighted to see Alassana Jatta take this next step in his career by joining Casa Pia on a contract valid until 2029 with an option to extend. This is a move that has been carefully considered by all of us and we firmly believe it is the right environment for him to continue his development and establish himself at an even higher level than League Two or League One.”
Beyai revealed that interest in Jatta has been relentless ever since his breakthrough campaign at Notts County, but several potential moves failed to materialise for different reasons.
“The last few transfer windows have of course not been easy. Ever since Alassana’s first season with Notts County, there has been significant interest in him. We received offers from clubs in the Chinese Super League, who offered a record fee to Notts, Indonesia, Turkey, Scandinavia, several clubs across Western and Central Europe, as well as from clubs in England.”
“However, every window proved challenging, with offers either being rejected or negotiations becoming difficult to conclude.”
According to Beyai, Casa Pia’s persistence played a decisive role in completing the transfer.
“Casa Pia of course deserves a great deal of credit for their persistence. They have been interested in Jatta over the past two transfer windows, and this third attempt finally resulted in an agreement. On the very day he was signing for Casa Pia, two other Portuguese clubs also made contact, but by then our minds were already made up. For us, it was always going to be Casa Pia because of the sporting project they presented and the confidence they showed in him from the very beginning.”
Alassana Jatta set for Portuguese move, Casa Pia reach agreement with Notts County
The agent also paid tribute to Notts County for providing Jatta with the platform to develop into one of the most consistent forwards in English football.
“I will of course like to thank Notts County as they gave Lass the opportunity to come to England, showcase his qualities and continue his development. His time there opened the door to even bigger opportunities and we appreciate the professionalism and smooth collaboration throughout the end of this transfer.”
Beyai believes Portugal offers the ideal environment for ambitious players seeking to compete at a higher level.
“Portugal has become one of Europe’s best destinations for ambitious players looking to develop, compete and take the next step in their careers. Casa Pia presented a project that perfectly matched Alassana’s ambitions and we are convinced this is another important milestone in his journey. The focus now is entirely on working hard, integrating quickly into the team and helping Casa Pia achieve its objectives while making a strong impact in the Primeira Liga.”
He also highlighted the qualities that have defined Jatta throughout his career.
“Alassana has always preferred to let his football do the talking, and that’s why he is not involved too much with social media or hype. He is hungry to improve, eager to embrace this new challenge, and excited to test himself in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues. His journey is also proof that patience, hard work, humility and loyalty are rewarded.”
For Beyai, the transfer carries special personal significance, having worked alongside the striker for nearly a decade.
“On a personal level, this move is especially satisfying for me because it reflects a journey I have shared with him for many years. I have worked with Jatta since 2018 and over these past eight years I have had the privilege of helping guide his career from The Gambia to Europe.”
“It started when I secured his move to Paide Linnameeskond in Estonia, a transfer that ultimately opened the pathway for many Gambian players to follow in his footsteps. From there he earned a move to Viborg FF in Denmark, then to Notts County in England and now to Casa Pia in Portugal, so that’s eight years of complete loyalty.”
Reflecting on Jatta’s progression, Beyai said every transfer had been based on long-term planning rather than chasing the biggest financial offer.
“Watching him reach his fourth professional club is something I am incredibly proud of. Every move has been based on careful planning rather than rushing for the biggest offer—just like we rejected the one from Indonesia—and this transfer is another example of trusting the process.”
“I have no doubt that Alassana Jatta has the mentality, professionalism and quality to succeed in Portugal and I look forward to seeing him continue writing his story at Casa Pia.”
The 27-year-old striker joins Casa Pia after weeks of negotiations, with the Portuguese club finally succeeding in its pursuit following sustained interest over the last two transfer windows. Jatta has signed a contract until 2029, with the agreement also including an option to extend his stay.
The prolific forward leaves Notts County after an outstanding spell in England, where he established himself as one of the club’s most important players. His goalscoring exploits attracted widespread attention from clubs across Europe and beyond, making him one of the most sought-after Gambian footballers in recent transfer windows.
Among the clubs to express interest were Plymouth Argyle in England, Danish side AC Horsens, as well as teams from China, Türkiye, Indonesia, Scandinavia and several leagues across Western and Central Europe. Despite the numerous approaches, the move to Portugal was viewed by the player and his representatives as the ideal next step.
Jatta now embarks on a new chapter in the Portuguese top flight, carrying with him the experience gained in Estonia, Denmark and England. With Casa Pia placing its faith in the Gambian striker after pursuing him across three transfer windows, both player and club will be hoping that patience and persistence are rewarded with success in the Primeira Liga.
