Sogndal FC signs Ghanaian defender Jamal Deen Haruna on contract until 2027

Norwegian First Division club Sogndal FC has secured the signing of Ghanaian defender Jamal Deen Haruna in the ongoing summer transfer window. Haruna, who previously played for Accra Great Olympics, has inked a deal with Sogndal that extends until 2027. However, for the remainder of the 2024 season, he will continue on loan at Raufoss.

In February 2023, Haruna, who began his football career at Tudu Mighty Jets, joined Raufoss and has been a key player for the club since then. Sogndal’s coach expressed his long-term interest in the player, emphasizing Haruna’s physical prowess and defensive capabilities.

“This is a player I have been following for the past year,” the coach stated. “When I got the signal that he wanted to take some new steps, I knew it was time for conversations.

What I see in Haruna is a big, strong, and physical center-back who will give us duel strength both offensively and defensively.”

The coach further explained the intricacies of the transfer, highlighting the mutual agreement that allowed Haruna to stay at Raufoss until the end of the 2024 season.

“The interest around Jamal was increasing, and after talks with Raufoss and the player, I chose to buy him out of the deal.

It was crucial for Raufoss to keep the player until the end of the 2024 season, and therefore Jamal will go on a loan return to Raufoss for the rest of the season.

This solution is something everyone is happy about.”

Haruna himself expressed enthusiasm about the move to Sogndal and his return to Raufoss for the interim period. “Sogndal seems like a good city.

It’s a club that all good players want to play for, and the facilities are fantastic. I know Isaac Twum from before and we are good friends.

It will be nice to play in the same colors as him,” he said after signing the contract.

He added, “I’d like to say that I’m a player with an aggressive style of play. I play with soft power, but also common sense. I like to use my physique in a smart way.

I will, of course, give 100% for Raufoss for the rest of the season and help them as best I can. Then, I look forward to January when I come to Sogndal.

I’ve already met some nice people, and I’m looking forward to meeting the rest of the team.”

Sogndal’s Director of Football, Håvard Flo, also commended the smooth negotiation process with Raufoss.

“Since this was a somewhat difficult case for Raufoss, I want to praise them for the process I have had together.

I’m happy that we could come to a solution that makes Jamal continue his career with us after the season,” Flo said.

Flo concluded by expressing his eagerness to integrate Haruna into the Sogndal squad. “I look forward to Jamal being in place in Sogndal and getting to know him better.

In the meantime, I hope that he has a successful loan spell at Raufoss and wish him all the best for the rest of the season.”

Jamal Deen Haruna has so far played 46 games for Raufoss, establishing himself as a crucial part of their defense at Nammo Stadium.

His performances have not only earned him recognition but also made him a threat in the opposition’s penalty area, as evidenced by his two goals scored during his tenure at the club.