Mustapha Badjie’s agent, Modou Lamin Beyai, in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa has revealed that the midfielder had attracted significant interest from several clubs across Europe before Viktoria Žižkov secured his signature.
“Mustapha’s transfer to FK Viktoria Žižkov is one that happened relatively quickly in the end, but the reality is that there was interest in the player from several clubs before we reached this point.”
Beyai disclosed that clubs from Scandinavia initially monitored the midfielder, while Turkish side Konyaspor and Bulgarian giants CSKA Sofia later formalised their interest.
“Mustapha had attracted interest from clubs in Scandinavia, but none of those discussions progressed beyond the initial stages. Later, Turkish side Konyaspor and Bulgarian giants PFC CSKA Sofia both made their interest known and even submitted offers.”
Despite the attention, the player’s camp chose patience over an immediate transfer, prioritising a clear pathway to regular first-team football.
“After carefully evaluating the situation, we felt the pathway to first-team football was not entirely clear at that stage. We therefore decided to remain patient, allow Mustapha to finish the league season with Real de Banjul and wait for the right opportunity rather than simply accepting the first offer on the table.”
According to Beyai, Viktoria Žižkov ultimately stood out because of the club’s long-term sporting vision and commitment to the player’s development.
“What eventually convinced us about Viktoria Žižkov was the clarity of their sporting project and the pathway they presented for Mustapha’s development and integration into the first team. For a young player making his first move to Europe, that is often more important than anything else.”
Mustapha Badjie completes move to FK Viktoria Žižkov from Real de Banjul
The Gambian agent also revealed how the transfer came together during a visit to Prague in May while attending the Czech title celebrations with another client, Youssoupha Sanyang.
During his stay, Viktoria Žižkov invited him for discussions after learning he was in the city. Following meetings with the club’s board and sporting director, Beyai presented several player profiles before Badjie emerged as their preferred target.
“What impressed me most was their decisiveness. Before I even left the club offices, we had already reached an understanding on the transfer structure and the framework of an agreement between Viktoria Žižkov and Real de Banjul. That immediately showed me how highly they rated Mustapha, how determined they were to bring him to the club and how important this transfer was for their sporting plans.”
Looking ahead, Beyai believes the move provides the perfect environment for the young midfielder to continue his development.
“For Badjie, this move is only the beginning. European football presents a different level of competition and expectation, but I have full confidence in his qualities, mentality and professionalism. If he remains focused and continues to work hard, I believe he has every opportunity to establish himself in Czech football and take even bigger steps in the future, as Žižkov will offer him that environment.”
Gambian midfielder Mustapha Badjie has officially completed a permanent transfer to Czech second-tier side FK Viktoria Žižkov from Real de Banjul Football Club, signing a contract that will keep him at the club until December 2028.
The move marks the first European adventure for the highly rated youngster, who rose through the ranks at Sporting Real, the feeder team of Real de Banjul, before establishing himself in the first team with the Gambian champions.
