Exciting Charleroi prospect Youssuf Sylla joins Willem II on loan with option to buy | OneFootball

Willem II have reached an agreement with Sporting Charleroi for the loan of striker Youssuf Sylla (22). The Belgian youth international joined yesterday from the Pro League club until the end of the season.

The agreement includes an option for a permanent move, although the discussed amount has yet to be disclosed. Sylla went through the youth academies of Lierse SK and Standard Luik before at the age of 16, he left Belgium for an adventure in Italy with Torino, where he continued his development.

After his stay in Turin, the striker was given the opportunity to sign his first professional contract with the Belgian Zulte Waregem. There he played for the reserve side Jong Essevee scoring 22 goals in 29 games, before transitioning to the first team.

After a brief time (four league appearances) the striker moved to Charleroi in the summer of 2023. At ‘the Zebras’, he played 37 matches and became a youth international with the Young Devils.

On arrival, the Belgian (who is also eligible for the Guinean national team) claimed that joining the Tilburg club was a great next step in his career:

“I look forward to fighting for survival in the Eredivisie with Willem II. After discussions with the technical director and the trainer, this feels like the right step in my career. Willem II is known for developing young players further. I am happy that the clubs reached an agreement quickly so that I can join the team next Monday.”

Technical director Tom Caluwe continued the highly positive sentiments:

“With Youssuf, we are bringing in a mobile target man who can also contribute with his football. He is a player with enormous potential and will be given all the space he needs to develop further. The fact that we can welcome him to Tilburg early in the transfer window is very welcome with a view to the restart of the competition.”

GBeNeFN | Max Bradfield