Sparta Rotterdam secure Netherlands midfielder Isaac Babadi from PSV on loan

Isaac Babadi, the Netherlands and Sierra Leone midfielder, has joined Sparta Rotterdam from PSV on loan until 30 June 2027.

The 21-year-old attacking midfielder returns to the Eredivisie after spending the second half of the 2025-26 season on loan at Belgian club Royal Antwerp. That temporary spell ended on 30 June, when Babadi returned to PSV before switching to Sparta.

Babadi began his senior career at PSV after progressing through the club’s youth system. He joined PSV’s academy from NEC Nijmegen’s youth set-up in 2018 and subsequently moved through the under-17, under-18 and under-21 teams.

His record at PSV includes two Dutch league titles, won in the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons, as well as two Dutch Super Cup triumphs in 2024 and 2026. He was also part of a PSV side that won the Premier League International Cup.

Babadi’s latest move keeps him in the Dutch top flight and gives Sparta a midfielder who can operate in an advanced central role. He is right-footed and was valued at €1.5m immediately before the transfer.

The Nijmegen-born player spent last season with Royal Antwerp on loan from PSV, following his progression into the Eindhoven club’s senior set-up. His return to the Netherlands comes after a period away from PSV during which he was registered with the Belgian side.

Babadi has also been involved in PSV’s successful domestic campaigns, collecting four major honours with the club before beginning his latest loan spell. The move to Sparta represents another temporary step in his career, with his return to PSV scheduled for the end of June 2027.

Sparta Rotterdam have completed the loan signing of Babadi from PSV, with the deal beginning on 2 September 2026.