Emmanuel Adegboyega joins Walsall on loan from Norwich City
Walsall have announced the loan signing of 20-year-old defender Emmanuel Adegboyega from Championship side Norwich City for the rest of the season.
Adegboyega, who joined Norwich last summer from Drogheda United, made a strong impression in the League of Ireland, playing 22 times for Drogheda and scoring once after moving from Dundalk.
His standout performances at Drogheda led to a long-term contract with Norwich City, where he has been a key player for their Under 21s this season. In his nine Premier League 2 matches, Adegboyega has already contributed two goals and an assist.
Adegboyega expressed his enthusiasm about the move to Walsall, stating, “It’s a great move for me and I’m very happy to be here. I felt like it was time for me to step out of my comfort zone and go out on loan. The conversations with the Head Coach were really positive. He didn’t have to say much, he already convinced me from minute one so I’m looking forward to getting started and to get my first senior minutes in English football.”
Walsall's Head Coach Mat Sadler also shared his excitement about Adegboyega joining the team.
“We’re really pleased to have Emmanuel in the building. Manny is someone who we looked to sign at the start of the season before he made his move to Norwich so we’re pleased that we’ve now got the opportunity to take him on loan for the second half of the season."
Sadler added, “He brings competition for places in a back line that is doing really well at the moment but Manny will bring different skills and different abilities to that department. We are looking forward to working with him.”
Adegboyega is set to be eligible for selection in Walsall's upcoming game against Southampton in the Emirates FA Cup on Saturday.