Alya Bangoura: Guinea defender at East End Lions linked with HJK Helsinki move

Alya Bangoura, the Guinea defender currently with East End Lions, is being linked with a move to Finnish champions HJK Helsinki in the Veikkausliiga. The 24-year-old is understood to be on the radar of the Helsinki club as they assess defensive options ahead of the next campaign.

Bangoura joined Sierra Leonean side East End Lions on 1 September 2025 after a spell without a club and has since forced his way into the side, earning exposure in the CAF Champions League. He has made two appearances in that competition this season, playing every minute of those matches, which is thought to have drawn attention from European scouts.

Born in Conakry on 26 February 2002, Bangoura previously had a stint in Turkey with Tuzlaspor in the 2022-23 season before leaving the club in April 2023. His move back into regular football with East End Lions has provided a platform at continental level, with HJK now exploring the possibility of bringing him to Helsinki.

East End Lions have not commented publicly on Bangouras future, while there has been no indication of how advanced any talks might be with HJK. Bangouras contract details in Freetown have not been made public, leaving uncertainty over what kind of deal would be required to prise him away from the Sierra Leonean side.