Sparta Prague have completed the signing of Nigerian defender Uchenna Emmanuel from fellow Czech side Banik Ostrava, making him the most expensive acquisition in the club’s history.
The 21-year-old’s arrival marks a significant statement of intent from Sparta, who beat off interest from foreign clubs to secure his signature.
Softfootball gathers that Baník Ostrava sporting director Ludek Miklosko reflected warmly on the defender’s time at the club before his exit. He said:
I would like to thank Emmanuel Uchenna, who showed considerable interest in moving to Sparta and preferred it over the possibility of a foreign club, for the work he has done for Banik, and I wish him good luck in his future career.
Banik executive director Michal Belak also confirmed the significance of the transfer fee involved. He added:
Sparta was one of the interested parties who were willing to meet the conditions set by the exit clause.
It was set at a record amount and guaranteed that if it were to be exercised, Emmanuel Uchenna’s transfer would become a record in terms of the amount of the severance pay for our club in recent times.
