Sparta Rotterdam sign Waalwijk’s Saïd Bakari on a free transfer

Sparta Rotterdam have announced the signing of Saïd Bakari. The 28-year-old defender joins from RKC Waalwijk on a free transfer. Bakari is currently in his sixth season at Waalwijk. Having made more than 130 appearances for the club, the Comoros international has decided to switch to Sparta. Bakari has put pen to paper on a two-year contract, with an option to add one more year. 

Born in France to Comorian parents, Bakari was called up to the Comoros national team in September 2017. He has since made 30 appearances for his country. In 2010, Bakari spent a season playing in Paris Saint-Germain’s youth academy but left a season later due to a lack of game time. Bakari spent four seasons playing in both France and Belgium’s fifth divisions. Whilst playing for ES Bonchamp in 2015, the defender also worked part-time in a supermarket and as a school caretaker. 

Bakari is currently one of the Eredivisie’s most versatile players. Throughout his six seasons at Waalwijk, he has played in ten different positions. Under Joseph Oosting he has predominantly played as a right-back or right-winger. Speaking about the acquisition, Sparta Rotterdam’s technical director Gerald Nijkamp said ‘In Saïd, we see a player who can further help Sparta become a stable club at the highest level in the Netherlands. Over several seasons at RKC, he has shown he can play well in the Eredivisie.’ Bakari will be a Sparta Rotterdam player from July 1st 2023.

GBeNeFN Hugo Hargreaves

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