Jeffrey Sarpong

Jeffrey Nana Darko Sarpong (/sɑːrˈpɒŋ/ sar-PONG-G; born 3 August 1988) is a Ghanaian professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for FK Panevėžys.

Jeffrey Sarpong
Personal information
Full name Jeffrey Nana Darko Sarpong[1]
Date of birth (1988-08-03) 3 August 1988
Place of birth Amsterdam, Netherlands
Height 1.76 m (5 ft 9 in)
Position(s) Attacking midfielder
Team information
Current team
 FK Panevėžys
Number 23
Youth career
0000–1995 Abcoude
1995–2005 Ajax
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2006–2010 Ajax 20 (2)
2010 → NEC (loan) 15 (0)
2010–2013 Real Sociedad 19 (1)
2012 → NAC Breda (loan) 11 (1)
2012–2013 → Hércules (loan) 13 (1)
2013–2015 NAC Breda 58 (4)
2015–2016 Wellington Phoenix 13 (0)
2016–2017 Veria 24 (5)
2017–2018 Elazığspor 19 (1)
2018–2019 Xanthi 21 (0)
2021– FK Panevėžys 102 (17)
International career
2003–2009 Netherlands U21 10 (1)
Medal record
Representing  Netherlands
UEFA European Under-17 Championship
Runner-upItaly 2005U-17 Team
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 25 October 2023

Career

Ajax

Sarpong joined Ajax when he was just seven years of age, and signed his first contract in 2005.[2] At the time Chelsea were interested in signing the player, but he decided to stay with Ajax.[3][4]

He made his Eredivisie debut on 5 February 2006 in the 3–2 away defeat against Feyenoord. Sarpong played in eight more league matches during the season. In addition he and his team won the KNVB Cup, but in the 2006–07 season he did not play a single league match. In July 2007, Sarpong extended his contract, which kept him until 2011.[5] However, the following season he became first-team regular under new coach Marco van Basten netting his first goal in a 2–2 away draw against no other than Feyenoord. A week later, on 2 October 2008, he scored again, in the first round of UEFA Cup; second leg, against Borac Čačak.

The 2009/10 season was difficult for Sarpong to gain back his valuable first-team experience by being placed on a loan list.[6] Having yet make his first league appearance for Ajax this season, Sarpong says he's very "eager" and "desperate" to make a return in the first team.[7]

On 31 December 2009, Ajax loaned the 21-year-old Dutch youth international to NEC until the end of the 2009–10 season.[8] He made his debut for the club in a 2–1 win over Vitesse Arnhem. In the quarter-final of KNVB Beker, against his former club, Sarpong provided assist for the second goal for the club in a match, but was sent off after a second bookable offense, as NEC lost 3–2. Two months later, on 19 March 2010, he was sent off again in the last minutes, as NEC heavily lost 4–1 against Heerenveen. Having made an impressive start at NEC, Sarpong hinted he might have earned a spot in the World Cup.[9] At the end of the 2009/10 season, the club announced that they would not sign Sarpong on a permanent basis.[10] He made sixteen appearances in all competitions.

Real Sociedad

On 2 August 2010, it emerged that the La Liga side Real Sociedad were interested in Jeffrey.[11] But no official bid was made until the 15th. On the 21st it was rumoured he was in San Sebastián and on the following day Real Sociedad confirmed the signing of Jeffrey Sarpong for an undisclosed fee.[12] Sarpong was given the number 14 shirt.

After his debut was delayed over injuries and problem,[13] Sarpong finally his debut on 3 October 2010 in a 1–0 home victory to Espanyol and the next game, on 17 October 2010, Sarpong scored his first goal in a 2–1 loss against Levante.[14] A week later, on 28 October 2010, Sarpong scored again, in the fourth round of Copa Del Ray; first round, in a 3–2 loss against Almería. He soon went on the sidelines after sustaining a dislocated shoulder during a training-ground clash, which left him out for a months.[15] But made his return on 6 November 2010, in a 1–0 win over Racing Santander. Despite a promising start at the club, Sarpong had a disappointing season, having made 18 appearances. The next season, even his first team became increasingly limited, under manager Philippe Montanier and made only three appearances.

On 5 January 2013, Sarpong terminated his contract at Sociedad by mutual consent after three-year at the club.[16][17]

Loan spell

On the last day of the winter transfer window, Sarpong joined NAC Breda on loan for the rest of the season.[18] On 11 February 2012, he made his debut for the club, coming on as a substitute for Ömer Bayram, in a 2–0 loss against his former club, Ajax. On 28 April 2012, Sarpong scored his first goal for the club, in a 3–1 win over Utercht.[19]

On 30 August 2012, it announced that Sarpong joined Segunda División side Hércules for the rest of the season.[20] He made his debut for the club, on 2 September 2012, in a 1–0 loss against Alcorcón after coming on as a substitute in the 80th minute. After five months at the club, Sarpong left the club, following his release from Real Sociedad.[21]

Return to NAC Breda and free agency

After a trial with Premier League side, Stoke City[22] as well as Football League Championship club, Sheffield Wednesday in January,[23] it was announced on 9 April 2013 that Sarpong had rejoined NAC Breda on a three-year deal with the club, starting in the next season.[24] The deal was cut short, and Sarpong was released at the end of the 2014–15 season. He has since been on trial with Football League Championship team, Blackburn Rovers, and appeared in a friendly match against Tranmere Rovers, scoring his side's first goal. The match concluded 2–0 to Blackburn.[25]

Wellington Phoenix

Sarpong joined Wellington Phoenix FC after he signed for them on 25 August 2015, he was released on 31 January 2016 by mutual consent.

Later career

On 9 August 2016, Sarpong agreed to move on a free transfer to the Greek Superleague club Veria.[26] In 2017, Sarpong went to play in Turkey at Elazığspor. He was allowed to leave in May 2018. In the 2018–19 season, Sarpong played for Greek club Skoda Xanthi. On 10 February 2021, he signed for Lithuanian side FK Panevėžys.

International career

Sarpong represented the Netherlands in the 2005 FIFA U-17 World Championship in Peru, where the team finished third. On 24 June 2009, the young midfielder swapped representing the Netherlands internationally for The Black Stars of Ghana.[27] He maintain his desire to play for The Black Stars ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations.[28]

Personal life

He became the second Junior Dutch International to swap The Netherlands for Ghana after Quincy Owusu-Abeyie turned out for Holland at the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship.

Sarpong was married on 24 May 2012.[29]

Sarpong leads the Dutch branch of a bible study for footballers called Ballers in God, which includes players such as Vicente Besuijen, Elson Hooi and Kingsley Ehizibue.[30][31]

Statistics
As of 25 October 2011[32][33]
Club performance League Cup Continental Total
SeasonClubLeague AppsGoals AppsGoals AppsGoals AppsGoals
Netherlands League KNVB Cup Europe Total
2005–06AFC AjaxEredivisie90----90
2006–07--------
2007–0810----10
2008–09101--30131
2009–10N.E.C.15010--160
2010–11AFC Ajax00001010
2011–12NAC Breda00000000
Spain League Copa del Rey Europe Total
2010–11Real SociedadLa Liga1911100202
2011–1230----30
Netherlands League KNVB Cup Europe Total
2011–12NAC BredaEredivisie111----111
Spain League Copa del Rey Europe Total
2012–13Real SociedadLa Liga0000--00
2012–13Hércules AlicanteSegunda División13100--131
Netherlands League KNVB Cup Europe Total
2013–14NAC BredaEredivisie00----00
Career total 7941040844

References
  1. "Jeffrey Sarpong". Player History. Retrieved 11 February 2010.
  2. Vol Beloften: Jeffrey Sarpong Archived 6 February 2012 at the Wayback Machine, Ajax.nl
  3. "Kids aren't alright for Chelsea". Archived from the original on 17 July 2011. Retrieved 24 July 2006.
  4. "Chelsea fail with Ajax raid". Sky Sports. 27 October 2005. Retrieved 30 May 2013.
  5. "Ajax hand Colin trial". Sky Sports. 2 July 2007. Retrieved 30 May 2013.
  6. "Ajax Make Jeffrey Sarpong Available For Loan". Goal. 5 August 2009. Retrieved 30 May 2013.
  7. "Ajax Youngster Jeffrey Sarpong Eager To Break into First Team Again". Goal. 10 November 2009. Retrieved 30 May 2013.
  8. Sarpong op huurbasis naar NEC
  9. "World Cup 2010: Ajax Starlet Jeffrey Sarpong Targets Spot in Ghana Squad". Goal. 24 March 2010. Retrieved 30 May 2013.
  10. "Jeffrey Sarpong back to Ajax" [Jeffrey Sarpong terug naar Ajax] (in Dutch). De GelderLander. 13 May 2010. Retrieved 30 May 2013.
  11. "Real Sociedad Keen on Ajax Starlet Jeffrey Sarpong – Report". Goal. 2 August 2010. Retrieved 30 May 2013.
  12. La Real Sociedad incorpora a Jeffrey Sarpong, del Ajax (in Spanish). Marca.com. 22 August 2010.
  13. "Injuries open the door of title to Sarpong" [Las lesiones abren la puerta de la titularidad a Sarpong] (in Spanish). Marca. 11 October 2010. Retrieved 30 May 2013.
  14. "Sarpong scored for Real Sociedad" [Sarpong trefzeker voor Real Sociedad]. Algemeen Dagblad (in Dutch). 17 October 2010. Retrieved 30 May 2013.
  15. "Real Sociedad's Jeffrey Sarpong Dislocates Shoulder in Training". Goal. 3 November 2010. Retrieved 30 May 2013.
  16. "Jeffrey Sarpong leaves Real Sociedad". Ghana Soccernet. 10 January 2013. Retrieved 30 May 2013.
  17. "The Dutch Sarpong leaves the Royal Society" [El holandés Sarpong abandona la Real Sociedad] (in Spanish). Marca.com. 7 January 2013. Retrieved 30 May 2013.
  18. "Breda bring in Sarpong on loan". Sky Sport. 1 February 2012. Retrieved 30 May 2013.
  19. "Heerenveen joins the race for the title" [El Heerenveen se suma a la carrera por el título] (in Spanish). Marca.com. 28 April 2012. Retrieved 30 May 2013.
  20. "Former Ajax player Sarpong on loan to Hercules" [Oud-Ajacied Sarpong op huurbasis naar Hércules]. Algemeen Dagblad (in Dutch). 30 August 2012. Retrieved 30 May 2013.
  21. "Pamarot reaches agreement to play in the Hercules" [Pamarot alcanza un acuerdo para jugar en el Hércules] (in Spanish). Marca. 7 January 2013. Retrieved 30 May 2013.
  22. "Sarpong on trials at Stoke". Ghana Soccernet. 12 January 2013.
  23. "JEFFREY SARPONG LEAVES STOKE FOR SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY TESTS". Tribal Football. 7 February 2013. Retrieved 30 May 2013.
  24. "NAC free Sarpong explains the club for three seasons fixed" [NAC legt de clubloze Sarpong voor drie seizoenen vast] (in Dutch). Voetbal International. 9 April 2013. Retrieved 30 May 2013.
  25. "Rovers' young guns put in an impressive display to defeat Tranmere 2–0 at Prenton Park on Friday evening". Rovers.co.uk. Blackburn Rovers Football Club. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  26. Ακολουθούν άλλοι τρεις στη Βέροια
  27. "Ghanaian FA Approach Ajax Midfielder Jeffrey Sarpong". Goal. 7 July 2009. Retrieved 30 May 2013.
  28. "Real Sociedad loanee Jeffrey Sarpong reveals Ghana dream ahead of 2013 Afcon". Goal. 1 November 2012. Retrieved 30 May 2013.
  29. "JEFFREY SARPONG MARRIES SWEET HEART STACEY". SOCCER IN GHANA. 29 May 2012. Retrieved 30 May 2013.
  30. "Ballers in God". ballersingod.com. Retrieved 30 December 2020.
  31. "Scorende ADO-speler Besuijen haalt kracht uit geloof: 'Ik word er gewoon blij van'". Omroep West (in Dutch). 13 December 2020. Retrieved 30 December 2020.
  32. "Jeffrey Sarpong Statistics". Soccerway. Retrieved 29 July 2010.
  33. "Jeffrey Sarpong Statistics". Voetbal International. Retrieved 29 July 2010.
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