Swedish top-flight outfit IFK Varnamo has ended their interest in Kenyan forward Sydney Lokale, despite an initial verbal agreement, Footy-Africa can exclusively confirm.
Varnamo and Lokale had reached an agreement in principle for a summer move, but the deal has fallen through after the club reassessed their needs, particularly the financial details involved. The club believes new head coach Arne Sandsto can rely more on the academy instead of bringing in costly new signings.
A source close to the 24-year-old told Footy-Africa that the club has communicated Sandsto’s strategy and confirmed they would not be moving forward with the transfer. Meanwhile, Lokale’s contract with Kenyan Premier League side AFC Leopards is set to expire in less than two weeks.
“The deal to join Varnamo was agreed last season, with the plan for him (Lokale) to join this summer. But it’s now off, as the new head coach Arne Sandsto isn’t convinced. He wants to focus more on developing talent from the reserve team rather than signing already established players. Lokale has been informed, and that’s just about it—frustrating for him, as he thought his future was already settled,” the source exclusively told Footy-Africa.
Lokale previously had a spell in Europe with HJK Helsinki (Finland) during the 2019/20 season. He also featured for St. Eloi Lupopo in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Domestically, he has played for KCB FC, Kariobangi Sharks, and US Nakuru. At AFC Leopards this season, he has scored 13 goals in 27 appearances across the league and the CAF Confederation Cup.
At the international level, Lokale has earned two caps for the Kenya national team, the Harambee Stars. He was part of the squad that faced South Sudan during the African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualification campaign.
