In a significant move for Liberian football, youngsters Emmanuel King Sieh and Sam Vasco Sumo have completed permanent transfers to Serbian SuperLiga side FK Novi Pazar from Liberian third-tier club Real Mudja. While the financial details and duration of their contracts remain undisclosed, reports indicate that both players have signed development contracts with the Serbian outfit.
FK Novi Pazar, a club competing in Serbia’s top league, expressed its interest in Sieh and Sumo after the pair impressed the club’s technical team during a month-long preseason camp and series of tryout matches. In one of the sessions, Sumo demonstrated his goal-scoring prowess by netting a hat-trick, while Sieh contributed significantly with two assists and a goal, further boosting their chances of securing permanent deals.
As part of the transfer agreement, Real Mudja will receive 40% of any future sale proceeds for both players, though no direct financial gain was realized from their initial move. The transfers signal the growing interest in Liberian football talent on the international stage, with both Sieh and Sumo expected to develop further at their new club.
Eighteen-year-old Emmanuel Sieh’s move to Serbia marks a major milestone in his promising career. Last year, Sieh had signed with South African Premier League club TX Galaxy but was unable to play in the league as he was underage for professional registration at the time.
Despite participating in friendly matches, Sieh’s 17 years of age did not meet the league’s minimum requirement. He returned to Liberia and was loaned to Watanga FC, where he played a key role in their triumphant 2023-2024 season. Sieh was among the nominees for the Liberian First Division League Most Valuable Player Award after an outstanding season, where he scored 18 goals and provided six assists.
Sieh’s performances at the club level also earned him recognition on the international stage, as he has been a standout player for Liberia’s U-17 and U-20 national teams. His transition to Serbia provides a major opportunity for his development, and fans are hopeful that he will continue to grow as a player on the global stage.
Sam Vasco Sumo, also an exciting prospect, has had previous stints with FC Kallon Liberia and Global Pharma before earning his move to FK Novi Pazar. Sumo, known for his versatility and strong performances, will be aiming to build on his experience and further hone his skills in Serbia.
Both Sieh and Sumo are products of the Monrovia Football Academy now called Real Muja, a renowned program that has become a launchpad for several young Liberian footballers making the leap to international clubs. Their transfers to Serbia are part of a growing trend of young Liberian talents securing moves abroad, following in the footsteps of players like Emmanuel Fully, who recently signed with Czech giants Slavia Prague, and Alhaji Samukai, who is currently based in Denmark.
These moves represent an exciting chapter for Liberian football, showcasing the potential of the country’s young talents on the international stage. With FK Novi Pazar’s support, Sieh and Sumo now have the opportunity to continue their development and hopefully inspire more young Liberians to pursue professional football careers abroad.
