El Hadji Ba Joins Charlton from Sunderland on Three-Year Deal
Franco-Senegalese midfielder El Hadji Ba has completed a move to Charlton Athletic, signing a three-year contract with the Championship side after struggling for playing time at Premier League club Sunderland.
The 22-year-old departs the Black Cats in search of regular first-team football, and becomes Charlton’s latest addition ahead of the new season in England’s second tier.
“It’s good to be at Charlton. I’m happy to be here,” Ba told the club’s official website. “It was quite difficult at Sunderland. I was young and I didn’t get enough game time, but now I’m ready to fight.”
Ba, who was developed at Le Havre’s renowned youth academy, spent last season on loan at SC Bastia in Ligue 1. He began the campaign strongly before suffering a serious leg injury that sidelined him for several months and ultimately curtailed his momentum.
Now fully fit, Ba sees the move to The Valley as a fresh start and a chance to rebuild his career in a competitive environment. Known for his energy, versatility, and box-to-box play, the midfielder is expected to provide added depth to Charlton’s midfield options.
Ba made just a handful of appearances during his time at Sunderland after joining the Premier League side in 2013. With his move to Charlton, he will aim to rediscover the form that made him one of France’s promising young talents.
