Huddersfield Town have announced the signing of Senegalese striker Oumar Niasse on a contract which runs until the end of the season.
Former Cardiff and Hull City forward, Niasse, had been a free agent following the expiration of his contract with Premier League Everton at the end of last season.
The 30 year old striker has experience of playing in Premier League with Everton, Hull City and Cardiff City. The Senegalese international, prior to being offered a contract, had been training with the Terriers first team for the past month.
Niasse has told Huddersfield Town‘s official YouTube channel that he is “excited” to be back in football after “six months without a club.”
“I’m excited because it’s been almost six months without a club, so it’s exciting for personal reasons.
“When Huddersfield contacted me, I came and had a discussion with the manager and the sporting director, and I felt like something very important could be done here.
“Since that day, I’ve been so happy. I’m happy to be at the club and hopefully we do something good here.”
Niasse will don the number 11 shirt for Huddersfield Town.
Huddersfield’s Head of Football Operations Leigh Bromby believes the forward’s “character” and “pedigree” in top level European football will make him a useful addition to the Terriers first-team squad.
“We’re very happy to get this agreement in place, as we think Oumar is a player who can help us. Said Bromby.
“A big part of our recruitment process focuses on the character of the players we’re bringing in and we’ve spoken with Oumar and his representatives over a fair period of time. We’ve had very positive conversations throughout and it’s clear he will be a good fit within our group.
“He’s had plenty of offers since leaving Everton, but he was keen to stay in England and, ideally, in the north so he is close to his family.
“His pedigree speaks for itself, having played in top divisions, in European competitions and commanded huge transfer fees. However, his character is just as impressive. He’s a very positive guy and is determined to show everyone what he is capable of.”
Huddersfield head coach Carlos Corberán has been monitoring Niasse’s progress in training in recent weeks and has been impressed with the striker’s ability to “press” and “attack space” but told the club’s official website that his forward is not match fit.
“Oumar has played the highest level of English football for over three years, which means he has all the necessary skills to play in the Sky Bet Championship. Said Corberan.
“He is a striker with the dynamic to work very hard; to press the opponent and attack the space.
“He has been working on the pitch with us for a little while and has adapted to our training intensity. He needs time to build up his match fitness as he has had a long time without playing a competitive game, but we will work hard with him to get him ready.”
