Sparta Prague have made a significant move in the transfer market by securing the services of 21-year-old Nigerian defender Emmanuel Uchenna from Baník Ostrava in a record-breaking deal.
The signing marks the Czech club’s first reinforcement of the winter transfer window, with Uchenna committing to a multi-year contract.
Uchenna, a product of Nigeria’s Ikorodu City FC, initially joined Baník Ostrava after loan spells at Vítkovice and Hlučín. He broke into Baník’s first team this season, making 14 appearances and scoring once in the Czech top flight.
The lanky defender was discovered at the first edition of the Jagaban Cup in 2022.
His impressive performances caught the attention of several clubs, but Sparta Prague acted quickly to secure his signature.
Tomáš Rosický, Sparta’s sports director and former Arsenal star, expressed his excitement over the acquisition.
“I am very happy to welcome Emmanuel to Sparta. There was a lot of interest in his services, but he chose us because he sees the best space for his further development in our environment. He is a young, talented player with excellent prospects for further growth. He has the attributes that we look for in players for the defender position,” Rosický said.
While the transfer fee remains undisclosed, Baník Ostrava’s executive director Michal Bělák confirmed that the deal involved a record-breaking exit clause, along with additional bonuses and a sell-on percentage.
“Sparta was one of the interested parties willing to meet the conditions set by the exit clause. It guaranteed that Emmanuel Uchenna’s transfer would become a record for our club,” Bělák explained.
Uchenna expressed his excitement about joining Sparta Prague, highlighting their playing style and ambitious goals.
“Going to Sparta is the best possible decision. I had a lot of offers, but as soon as my agent mentioned Sparta, I didn’t hesitate. Their style of play suits me perfectly,” Uchenna said.
The Nigerian defender will join fellow countryman Victor Olatunji at the club, which currently sits third in the league. Uchenna will also have the opportunity to feature in Sparta’s Champions League campaign, with high-stakes matches against Inter Milan and Bayer Leverkusen on the horizon.
