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Sierra Leone is making strategic moves to secure the services of promising midfielder Isaac Babadi, as reported by Eindhovens Dagblad.
The 19-year-old talent, currently with PSV Eindhoven, has already showcased his abilities in the Dutch youth teams but remains eligible to switch his national allegiance thanks to his rich African heritage.
Born to Sierra Leonean parents, Babadi embodies a deep connection to the West African nation, making him a coveted player for the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA). With FIFA’s regulations allowing players under the age of 21 to change national teams without constraints, Sierra Leone views this as a timely opportunity to bolster its squad with Babadi’s skills.
Last season, Babadi burst onto the scene at PSV, displaying glimpses of his potential. However, this year has been a challenging one, as he has faced an uphill battle for consistent playing time under head coach Peter Bosz.
A potential loan move to sc Heerenveen, which could have provided him with more game time, ultimately fell through during the winter transfer window, leaving him on the outskirts of PSV’s starting lineup. To date, he has made only five appearances in the Eredivisie, managing to find the back of the net just once.
Babadi’s limited exposure on the pitch has also affected his standing with Jong Oranje, the Netherlands U21 team. Recently, head coach Michael Reiziger has chosen not to include him in the squad, thereby paving the way for Sierra Leone to capitalize on the situation and entice Babadi to commit to its national team.
Despite the hurdles he faces at the club level, Babadi is undeniably a talent to watch. His current contract with PSV Eindhoven extends until mid-2028, securing his long-term future at the club. Yet, as Sierra Leone intensifies its efforts to recruit him, the young midfielder finds himself at a significant crossroads, weighing his international future.
