Gambian starlet set to sign Portsmouth deal

Friday, July 25, 2008
Gambia and Hawks striker, Omar Krumah, commonly known as OJ will become Harry Redknapp's latest summer signing following his sizzling impact with the English Premiership side, Portsmouth, Observer Sports can reveal. The Gambian teenager arrived on trial a fortnight ago in a bid to break into the Premier League.

He caught the eye when he marked his Pompey debut against Exeter by winning the penalty which secured the visitors a 1-1 draw.

Krumah followed that up with two assists in his 45 minutes at Swindon last Friday and also turned out against Dorchester earlier in the week.

Now Redknapp has confirmed the pacy striker will be rewarded for his superb start with a Pompey deal.

Yet, while Blues boss believes it is too early to blood him into the Premier League he has high hopes for the future.

He said: 'OJ has done well, he is only 18 and I think he is a real prospect.

'We are hoping to now get something done and keep him here permanently because I like him.
'
He was at Southampton last year, they wanted him but could not get a work permit but he is married now so that is no longer a problem.

'The lad was recommended to me so we had him over for the last couple of weeks and he is been tremendous.
'
He is quick and has got a lot of everything.

'The kid wants to do well, he is willing to learn and hopefully he can do well here.

'I have already had half a dozen clubs wanting to play him this season, most of them are from the Championship.
'
He is not ready for the Premier League but he is still young so his time can come.'

Should the deal materialise, Krumah will be the first Gambian player to sign for an English Premiership club.

Author: by Nanama Keita