sevendayweekender – League Two club Walsall have signed forward Tai Sodje from National League North side Buxton on a two-year contract. The agreement also includes an option for a further year.
The 22-year-old becomes Walsall’s seventh signing of the summer transfer window. He arrives after an impressive campaign with Buxton, where he established himself as an important attacking player.
Sodje scored 14 goals in 26 appearances for Buxton last season. His goals helped the club reach the second round of the FA Cup. The forward’s performances earned him an opportunity to return to the EFL with Walsall.
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Sodje began his football career with hometown club Sheffield United. He later joined the academy at Manchester City and developed through the club’s youth system.
His performances for Manchester City’s Under-18 side earned him a professional contract in the summer of 2021. Sodje had enjoyed a prolific period at youth level before receiving the professional agreement.
During his time at Manchester City, Sodje won trophies at Under-18, Under-21 and Under-23 level. He also played alongside players who later established themselves at the highest level.
One of his former teammates was England and Chelsea star Cole Palmer. Despite his success within Manchester City’s academy system, Sodje did not make a first-team breakthrough.
The forward subsequently left Manchester City and joined Buxton before the start of last season. His move to the National League North provided an opportunity to gain regular senior football.
Sodje made the most of that opportunity during his first campaign with Buxton. He scored 14 goals across 26 matches and helped the club progress to the second round of the FA Cup.
Sodje Becomes Walsall’s Seventh Summer Signing After 14-Goal Buxton Season
Sodje joins a Walsall squad that has already undergone significant changes during the summer. The forward is the seventh new arrival ahead of the upcoming campaign.
Walsall have also recruited goalkeeper Jed Ward during the transfer window. Defender James Connolly has joined alongside midfielders Sven Sprangler and Lewis Simper.
Midfielder Isaac Moore has also arrived at the club. Forward Andy Dallas completes the other new attacking addition to head coach Lee Grant’s squad.
Sodje therefore joins a group of players recruited to strengthen different areas of the team. His arrival provides additional competition and depth in the forward positions.
The two-year contract gives Sodje a period to establish himself at Walsall. The additional one-year option also provides the club with flexibility beyond the initial agreement.
His recent record provides an encouraging foundation for the move. Fourteen goals in 26 appearances represented a strong return during his first season at Buxton.
The FA Cup campaign also gave Sodje an opportunity to perform on a larger stage. Buxton reached the second round of the competition during his time at the club.
His development has taken him through several different levels of the English game. Sodje progressed from Sheffield United’s academy to Manchester City’s youth setup. He then moved into senior football with Buxton.
His time at Manchester City included success across multiple youth age groups. He won trophies at Under-18, Under-21 and Under-23 level during his development.
Sodje also shared the pitch with Palmer during his Manchester City years. Palmer later became an established England international and Chelsea player.
However, Sodje was unable to secure a regular place in Manchester City’s senior team. His move to Buxton provided the opportunity to build a senior career outside the academy system.
That decision proved productive during the previous campaign. His 14 goals helped Buxton achieve a run to the FA Cup second round. His performances have now earned him a move back into the EFL.
Walsall will hope Sodje can maintain his scoring form at a higher level. The forward will face stronger competition and a different level of defensive challenge in League Two.
