Former Manchester United prodigy, Deji Sotona, is determined to kickstart his career and showcase his potential after securing a two-year contract with Doncaster Rovers.
Having garnered significant attention from major European clubs as a promising young forward, Sotona, now 20, aimed for a bright future. In 2020, he turned down a three-year professional contract with Manchester United to join Patrick Viera’s OGC Nice in the French top flight, but the move didn’t pan out as expected.
Having departed from Premier League-bound Burnley at the end of last season without breaking into the first team, Sotona underwent a trial with Doncaster, ultimately earning himself a deal at DN4.
Expressing his joy, Sotona, a former Republic of Ireland youth international, said, “I’m thrilled to be here. Finally, everything is sorted, and I’ve signed, so I’m eager to get started. I want to propel my career forward and prove myself once again in England, and I believe this is the club where I can achieve that.”
Grant McCann, the manager of Doncaster Rovers, was highly impressed by Sotona’s abilities showcased during his 45-minute cameo in Tuesday’s 3-2 friendly victory over Boston United. Sotona, versatile enough to play on either wing or up front, caught McCann’s attention with his blistering pace, directness, and desire to take on opponents.
McCann commented, “We have great expectations for Deji; we believe he will become an excellent player for us. His remarkable speed, directness, and determination to take on opponents are truly exciting. At only 20 years old, he has immense potential for development and learning, and we are confident that we can support him in his growth, which, in turn, will benefit the team. He’s a genuinely thrilling player.”
With his sights set on Doncaster Rovers, Sotona is eager to make his mark, rejuvenate his career, and prove that he possesses the talent and determination to thrive in English football once again.
Simon Young started working for City of Doncaster News in 2022. Simon grew up in Scawthorpe and always had a fascination with ‘City Life’. He always thought he would have to move away to experience that, but that’s no longer the case.