Photo Credit - HJK Helsinki.
Senegalese defender Cheikh Tidiane Sidibé has expressed joy over his move to Finnish top tier side, HJK Helsinki, stating that, it will help him earn senior call ups more often.
Sidibe completed a move to the Finnish champions in a two-year contract with an option to extend for a third year. The 24-year-old, who has played seven times for Senegal, is making his first European journey after an 18-month stint with Tanzanian top tier side Azam FC.
The left-footed defender will now test himself in Finland’s top division as he seeks to launch his career to new heights. Sidibé was a key player for Senegal during their triumphant campaign at the 2023 African Nations Championship (CHAN), featuring in six of the team’s seven matches.
Despite making his senior debut for Senegal in 2023, Sidibé has yet not received a call-up since. He believes that playing in Africa limited his chances and hopes his move to Europe will improve his prospects of returning to the national team.
“Playing in Europe makes it easier to get call-ups to the national team, and I am convinced that Helsinki is the ideal place to continue to progress,” he said.
HJK Helsinki’s sporting director, Petri Vuorinen, expressed confidence in Sidibé’s ability to enhance the team’s defensive options.
“We have identified a need to strengthen the left-back position and have been exploring several options for some time. “The team’s training environment is already very competitive, and the intensity of the sessions is excellent. Cheikh will bring even more competition to this position,” Vuorinen said.
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