theglobalsun – League Two club Walsall have signed forward Tai Sodje from National League North side Buxton on a two-year contract. The deal also includes an option for the Saddlers to extend his stay by a further year.
The 22-year-old becomes Walsall’s seventh signing of the summer as head coach Lee Grant continues to strengthen his squad ahead of the new campaign.
Sodje began his career with hometown club Sheffield United before moving to Manchester City’s academy. His prolific form for City’s Under-18 side earned him a professional contract in the summer of 2021.
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The forward enjoyed considerable success at youth level, winning trophies with Manchester City’s Under-18, Under-21 and Under-23 teams. During his time in the academy, he also played alongside England and Chelsea star Cole Palmer.
Despite his strong record in City’s youth setup, Sodje was unable to break into the first team. He subsequently joined Buxton before the start of last season to continue his development in senior football.
The move proved successful, with Sodje scoring 14 goals in 26 appearances for the National League North club. His goals helped Buxton reach the second round of the FA Cup.
His performances have now earned him a return to the EFL with Walsall. The move gives Sodje another opportunity to establish himself in professional league football after his time at Manchester City and Buxton.
Sodje’s arrival also adds another attacking option to Grant’s squad. His recent scoring record will be particularly encouraging for Walsall after he averaged more than a goal every two games during his first season with Buxton.
Sodje Joins Walsall’s Growing Summer Recruitment
Sodje is the seventh new arrival at Walsall this summer. The club have already strengthened several areas of the squad ahead of the League Two campaign.
Goalkeeper Jed Ward has joined the Saddlers, while James Connolly has been added to the defence. Walsall have also recruited midfielders Sven Sprangler, Lewis Simper and Isaac Moore.
Forward Andy Dallas is another new attacking addition. Sodje now becomes the latest player to join Grant’s squad.
The two-year contract, combined with the additional one-year option, gives Walsall plenty of time to develop the forward. At 22, Sodje still has significant room to progress after gaining his first sustained experience of senior football at Buxton.
His path to Walsall has included several stages of development. After starting with Sheffield United, he moved into Manchester City’s academy and progressed through its youth teams before earning a professional contract.
Sodje won silverware at multiple age groups during his Manchester City career. His performances at Under-18 level were particularly impressive and demonstrated his ability to find the net consistently.
However, competition for places at Manchester City prevented him from making a senior appearance for the club. His move to Buxton allowed him to play regularly and prove himself in competitive senior football.
He made an immediate impact, scoring 14 times in 26 games last season. Buxton’s run to the second round of the FA Cup also gave him valuable experience in a high-profile competition.
Walsall will now hope that his goalscoring form continues after stepping up to League Two. Sodje has already shown that he can make an impact when given regular senior opportunities.
His previous experience with Manchester City also means he arrives with a strong youth-development background. He spent time playing alongside Palmer, who has since become an established England international and Chelsea star.
The move to Walsall represents another important stage in Sodje’s career. After progressing through one of England’s leading academies and impressing at Buxton, he now has the chance to establish himself in the EFL.
