The Mali international joined us from Brighton & Hove Albion in the summer of 2022 and went on to make 111 appearances in all competitions in our colours.
His two competitive goals for us both came in the Premier League against Everton and West Ham United in the opening months of the 2024/25 season before his crowning achievement at the end of that campaign as he helped us lift the UEFA Europa League trophy with impressive performances in both legs of the semi-final against Bodo/Glimt and in the final against Manchester United in Bilbao.
From our Under-21s, we can confirm the departures of Pele Arganese-McDermott, Tyrell Ashcroft, Leo Black, Dante Cassanova, Matthew Craig and Calum Logan following the conclusion of their contracts.
Defender Pele joined our Academy in 2021 from Luton Town and progressed to become a regular at Development Squad level during the recently-concluded campaign while full-back Tyrell arrived from Reading’s Academy in 2022 and was part of our Premier League 2 title-winning side in 2023/24.
Midfielder Leo came up through the age groups with us and helped us win the Under-17 Premier League Cup in 2022/23 before turning pro and earning his first England youth call-up in 2024.
Versatile defender or midfielder Dante also progressed through the ranks in our Academy and helped our Under-21s win the Premier League 2 title in 2023/24, and was named on the bench for the first team on eight occasions during the following campaign.
Central midfielder Matthew joined us in the Under-12s and worked his way through the age groups before making his first team debut away to Leeds United on the final day of the 2022/23 Premier League season, having been named on the bench on another nine occasions. He subsequently spent time on loan at Doncaster Rovers, Barnsley and Mansfield Town, while left-back Calum joined our Academy from Ipswich Town in 2023 and progressed to Under-21 level, enjoying a loan spell at Braintree Town during the recently-concluded campaign.
From our Under-18s, we can confirm the departure of Jamel Beggs, Samal Bangura and Leon Myrtaj following the conclusion of their respective contract and scholarships. Additionally, Elijah Upson has rejected the offer of a contract and will leave the Club.
Jamel, Leon and Elijah have all been with us since the age of seven, while Samal joined in his Under-12 year. All four were part of our young squad that won the Under-17 Premier League Cup in 2024/25.
We extend our grateful thanks to all departing players and their families for their contributions to the club and wish them every success in the future.