The Digest:
German football powerhouse FC Bayern Women has officially completed the signing of promising Nigerian striker Edna Imade, marking a significant step in her rising star's journey in global football. The 24-year-old attacker, who impressed last season with Granada in Spain's top division, has penned a long-term contract with Bayern until June 2029. However, she'll spend the upcoming 2025-26 season on loan at Real Sociedad to continue her development.
Key Points:
- Bayern's Director of Women's Football, Bianca Rech, lauded Imade's "exciting profile," highlighting her speed, physical strength, and attacking versatility, confirming her status as one of Nigeria's most valuable women footballers.
- The decision to loan Imade to Real Sociedad was made in consultation with the player, seen as a mutually beneficial move to foster her positive development.
- Born in Morocco to Nigerian parents and raised in Spain, Imade expressed immense pride in joining a club of Bayern's stature, viewing it as validation for her perseverance and hard work.
- Imade describes herself as a powerful forward, strong header, and finisher, capable of playing centrally or on the wings, and a dedicated team player.
- Last season with Granada, Imade was a standout, scoring 16 goals in 29 appearances and finishing joint-second in the league's scoring chart alongside Barcelona icon Alexia Putellas. She was also named the Spanish League's Player of the Month in December.
- Despite her impressive club form, Nigeria's WAFCON head coach, Justin Madugu, controversially omitted Imade from the squad. Her high-profile move to Bayern Munich may now force a reconsideration for the Super Falcons, for whom she is eligible.
Sources: Soccernet
