Motherwell's new signing Jardell Kanga says the team's style of play is 'perfect' for him to thrive at Fir Park this season.
The highly-rated 20-year-old penned a three-year deal with the Steelmen on Friday for a fee understood to be around £350,000 with substantial add-ons that could potentially take it up to £900,000, with the club holding the option of a further year.
Kanga is the club's 10th summer signing and arrives from Finnish top-flight side Ilves, where the Swedish U21 forward netted 18 goals and provided 16 assists across 68 games.
Kanga's career path
Kanga, who has had spells with German giants Bayer Leverkusen, Dutch outfit De Graafschap and Swedish side Hammarby, reckons North Lanarkshire is the perfect place to continue his career. He enjoyed seeing the Steelmen defeat HJK Helsinki in Europa Conference League qualifying before succumbing to Freiburg on Thursday night in the play-off round.
He told the club website: “I’m glad this deal is complete and I can get started.
“I know the manager, and this move makes a lot of sense for me. The style of play is perfect, the group of players are friendly and talented, and the club is ambitious.
“I watched the European games and have watched some of the other matches this season, so I know where I’ll want to be in this system. Our full focus is on the league now.”
Manager's praise
Motherwell boss Alfred Johansson said: “Jardell is a player I have followed closely for a number of years.
“When Jardell was playing youth football, there were a number of occasions I tried to bring him into my team, but circumstances meant this didn’t happen. I have admired his ability for years, and I’m so pleased I’ll finally be able to work with him.
“He arrives in Scotland with a lot of attention for what he has achieved already in football, but I know in our environment, we can help him develop and grow further. As ever, we look forward to Jardell settling in with his new teammates and showing his quality.”
Debut possible
At just 15-years-old, Kanga became Swedish third tier side Brommapojkarna's youngest-ever player in 2021 before continuing his development with Leverkusen and Hammarby, while spending the last two seasons at Ilves.
He could make his Motherwell debut tomorrow in their Premiership clash at St Mirren.
