Gambian teenage sensation Suwaibou Kebbeh has completed a permanent transfer to Swedish Allsvenskan side Hammarby IF from Real de Banjul Football Club, marking a major milestone in his rapidly rising career.
Speaking exclusively with Footy-Africa on the transfer, Kebbeh’s Gambian agent, Modou Beyai—proprietor of Modoustic Agency and PR Company described the move as a reward for the youngster’s discipline and strong mentality.
“It’s a very positive development and one that reflects both Suwaibou Kebbeh’s hard work and Hammarby’s belief in his potential,” Beyai said. “Going on loan to a new environment is never easy for a young player, especially coming from a different football culture, but Suwaibou adapted very quickly and showed a strong mentality.”
Hammarby IF agree on permanent deal for Gambian starlet Suwaibou Kebbeh
Beyai highlighted Kebbeh’s professionalism during his loan period, noting that the teenager approached every challenge with focus and humility:
“He put his head down, worked hard and proved himself in a short space of time by scoring eight goals in 13 matches for Hammarby’s B team. Even though it’s the third tier in Sweden, he approached it with the right attitude and full professionalism.”
The 18-year-old attacker signed a five-year contract with the Stockholm-based club following an outstanding loan stint that underlined his talent, maturity, and adaptability. Kebbeh was a standout performer for Hammarby’s B team, scoring seven goals and registering three assists as they narrowly missed out on promotion to the Superettan. His performances across Division 1 quickly convinced Hammarby to activate the permanent option in his contract.
That commitment, according to Beyai, played a decisive role in Hammarby’s decision to secure the player’s long-term future.
“Hammarby activating the permanent option and offering him a five-year contract is a clear sign of their belief in him and his future at the club,” he added.
As part of his integration into the club’s long-term plans, Kebbeh will travel with Hammarby’s first team for their pre-season training camp in Marbella, Spain, under a new head coach. The camp presents a valuable opportunity for the young Gambian to stake a claim for a place in the senior squad ahead of the upcoming Allsvenskan campaign.
“For Suwaibou in particular, it’s a great opportunity to show that he deserves to be part of the A team and compete for a place in Hammarby’s Allsvenskan squad,” Beyai said.
The agent also revealed that Kebbeh’s form had attracted significant attention beyond Sweden.
“Since the league finished, I’ve been inundated with inquiries from several clubs across Europe and even MLS, all enquiring about signing him from Real de Banjul,” he disclosed. “But the answer has always been very simple: Hammarby have taken the option and see Suwaibou as a player for their first team.”
Suwaibou Kebbeh set for permanent move to Hammarby IF after stellar loan
Beyond the personal achievement, the transfer is being celebrated as a proud moment for Gambian football. It further cements Real de Banjul’s reputation as a breeding ground for young talent and highlights the growing pathways opening up for Gambian players abroad.
“It’s a proud moment not only for him but also for Real de Banjul and Gambian football as a whole, and a strong example of what patience, the right pathway and hard work can lead to,” Beyai concluded.
In an encouraging sign for the future, Beyai also shared breaking news that Hammarby’s sporting director and chief scout will be in The Gambia next week on a scouting mission—an indication that Kebbeh’s success could open doors for more Gambian talents to follow in his footsteps.
