Naval sign French midfielder Sekou Baradji

Ex Le Mans and West Ham player pens 3-year deal

Naval have looked to France once again to land their fifth signing. The club have swooped for defensive midfielder Sekou Baradji, who will join the club from Figueira da Foz for the next three years.

The 24-year-old, who played last season on loan with FC Martigues via Le Mans, is delighted to have made the move to Portugal’s top flight after spending last season in France’s third division.

“It’s true, I’m going to Naval. We have agreed on a three-year deal and on Thursday I will be in Figueira to sign a contract,” said Baradji. “It will be a good experience for me. I started in the National League and spent the last few years being loaned out everywhere by Le Mans. I took a step backwards, but now have taken two forward. This will be a great challenge in my career.

“I am a ball-winner. I have also played on the left wing as I am mobile. I played left-back in my first year, against the likes of Lyon and Marseille, but I did not do anything great. I like to play physical and I also can find my colleagues with fine passes.”

Something different

Baradji admits he does not know much of the Portuguese league, aside form the big three clubs, nor does he know anything of his team, but still feels that he made the right choice in joining Naval which represents a big step in his career.

“Naval are a serious club and I rejected other offers to try something different. Despite not knowing the coach, I know that they were very interested in me and because of that, I trusted my agents.”

The former Le Mans midfielder will recognize at least one face in former team-mate Hassan Yedba. The new Benfica signing was one reason why Baradji moved to Portugal as he will not get lonely knowing he has someone he can call.

“Now I have one friend there (Portugal) who I played with. All the conditions have come together in order for me to accept this invitation.”

Baradji played 22 matches for Martigues, scoring once, and has also represented Le Mans, West Ham, Reading and Toure.