STRIKER Bassala Sambou has been tipped to become a Premier League striker in the future after departing the Sky Blues for Everton.
The 18-year-old joined the Sky Blues at under-15 level and was handed his first team debut by Tony Mowbray during the 2-1 defeat against Northampton Town last season.
He impressed for both the under-18s and under-21s by scoring 25 goals at youth level and played a key role throughout the club’s memorable run to fifth round of the FA Youth Cup.
But despite being offered first team opportunities by Mowbray next season, Sambou has opted for a move to the top flight after a compensation deal was agreed with the Toffees.
“I tracked his progress over the whole of last season and he’ll be a quality player to take into the Under-21 group and he’s a really exciting prospect for the future,” said Everton youth coach David Unsworth.
“We’re pleased to be able to take him here as I believe he’ll be a Premier League player in the future.”
Sky Blues’ technical director Mark Venus added: “We will be sad to see Bassala leave the club after his time with the City Academy, but want to wish him success for the future.
“It was with great reluctance that we accepted terms for Bassala to leave and the greatest efforts were made to keep him as a Coventry City player.
“The club understands that the opportunity presented to Bassala would have been hard to turn down and respect his decision to move on. We have worked hard alongside Everton FC to agree terms that give Sambou’s footballing career the best chance of developing successfully.
“Coventry City FC would like to thank Everton FC for their professional conduct during negotiations and we wish Bassala all the best in Merseyside.”