Saidy Janko joins VfL

VfL Bochum 1848 has signed Saidy Janko. The Gambian international moves to the Ruhr region on loan from Spanish first division side Real Valladolid. The loan with an option to buy runs until June 30, 2023.

Saidy Janko is well-traveled. Born and raised in Switzerland, he left the Swiss Confederation at the age of 17 to join Manchester United’s youth academy after playing for FC Zurich. In his very first season with the Red Devils’ youth team, Janko was voted “Reserve Player of the Year,” the best player in the Premier League clubs’ youth teams. Later on, he got to know the top leagues in Scotland (Celtic), France (AS St. Etienne), Switzerland (Young Boys Bern) and Spain (Real Valladolid). He gained European Cup experience with Celtic and Young Boys, and Saidy Janko also helped win the Scottish Championship, the Scottish League Cup and the Swiss double. He has also been a Gambia international since October 2012.

Sebastian Schindzielorz, Director of Sport at VfL Bochum 1848, is pleased with the move: “Saidy Janko will greatly light up the competition on our flank. He is in his prime, has speed and athleticism, and his background means he knows what it takes to play at the highest level of national soccer. His international background will certainly be helpful in integrating him into the team circle.”

“VfL Bochum is a traditional club with a really cool stadium where there’s a huge atmosphere,” says newcomer Saidy Janko. “The anticipation for the team is great, as is the curiosity about the Bundesliga. The second year in the top flight will probably be more difficult than the first, but I’m positive we’ll make it. Personally, I hope for playing time and will do everything I can to make sure we are successful.”

Player data SAIDY JANKO

Date and place of birth: 22/10/1995 in Zurich/SUI

Height: 181 cm

Weight: 83 kg

Nationality: Switzerland / Gambia / Italy

LaLiga/ESP Games/Goals: 19/0

Super League/SUI Games/Goals: 33/0

Ligue 1/FRA Games/Goals: 21/0

Premiership/SCO Sp./Goals: 11/0

LaLiga 2/ESP Games/Goals: 15/0

Championship/ENG Sp./T.: 39/2

CL Games/Goals: 7/0

EL Games/Goals: 7/0

Achievements: Swiss champion (2020), Swiss Cup winner (2020), Scottish champion (2016, 2017), Scottish League Cup winner (2017), Premier League 2 winner (2015), promotion LaLiga (2022)

Previous clubs: Real Valladolid (ESP, since 10/2020), Young Boys Bern (SUI, 2019 – 08/2020), Nottingham Forrest (ENG, 08/2018 – 2019), FC Porto (POR, 2018 – 10/2020), AS St. Etienne (FRA, 2017/18), Barnsley FC (ENG, 08/2016 – 2017), Celtic Glasgow (SCO, 2015 – 07/2017), Manchester United (ENG, 09/2013 – 2015), Bolton Wanderers (ENG, 02/2015 – 05/2015), FC Zürich (SUI, 2006 – 2013), Inter Club Zürich (SUI, until 2006).