In a major step forward for Gambian football, Saikouba Jarju, the talented young footballer from Hart FC, is set to sign with Turkish Super Lig club Samsunspor, Footy-Africa can exclusively confirm.
The move, which marks a significant milestone in both Jarju’s career and the history of Hart FC, is the result of months of negotiations and successful trials.
The club has already reached an agreement with Hart FC on a pre-contract, with Jarju expected to officially sign once he turns 18 in December.
Rising star in the football world
Samsunspor has been closely monitoring Jarju’s development for some time, and his impressive performance during trials left no doubt in their minds. The club is eager to secure the talented midfielder, who they believe has the potential to make a significant impact at the top levels of European football. For Jarju, this move represents not only a new chapter in his professional career, but also the opportunity to showcase his skills on a much larger stage.
For Hart FC, this deal is historic. Saikouba Jarju will become the club’s first-ever export to a European league, underscoring the growing reputation of the Gambian football scene.
This achievement is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and coaching excellence at Hart FC, which has clearly been a nurturing ground for emerging talent in the Gambia.
Samsunspor in advanced talks with Hart FC for Saikouba Jarju transfer
Proud moment for Hart FC and the Gambia
Bakary Baldeh, the President of Hart FC, expressed his immense pride and joy in seeing one of his players make the leap to professional football in Europe. In a statement, he emphasised the significance of Jarju’s move not only for the player himself but for the entire Gambian football community.
“I’m excited to have one of the players whom I’ve moulded from a young age reach both the national and international level,” Baldeh said in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa. “Saikouba’s move to Samsunspor brings me joy and serves as an inspiration to all the players in the team. It doesn’t matter which local club you play for or where you are located – if you work hard and stay committed, the results will follow.”
He continued, “Yes, he’ll be signing as the first player from Hart FC to sign a professional contract, and this should be a wake-up call to others that patience, commitment, consistency, and dedication are essential in one’s football journey.”
𝐄𝐗𝐂𝐋𝐔𝐒𝐈𝐕𝐄 ✅
🇬🇲 Saikouba Jarju is close to finalising a permanent move to @Samsunspor from Harts FC after a successful trial with the Turkish Süper Lig club.
📝 Both clubs are in progressive talks to finalise the deal soon with an agreement reached already. pic.twitter.com/eL6wfMVVV7
— Foday Manneh (@foday_manneh_) August 21, 2025
Broader impact on Gambian football
Jarju’s upcoming move to Samsunspor is more than just a personal achievement; it is also a significant moment for the Gambian football landscape as a whole. As Baldeh pointed out, football in the Gambia has no boundaries, and talent can be spotted and nurtured from any corner of the country. Jarju’s success story serves as an example for young Gambian footballers, showing them that, with determination and hard work, they too can catch the eye of top European clubs.
“This is a very important moment,” said Baldeh. “Today, football in the Gambia doesn’t have any boundaries. A player can be identified from any club or team to either play for the national teams or be exported to Europe. Saikouba’s case should serve as an example for many players, showing that it’s not about where you come from, but what you do and how you perform.”
With the growing interest in Gambian players from international clubs, Jarju’s move could spark further opportunities for other young talents in the country, proving that local football can be a stepping stone to the global stage.
