Kenyan striker Sydney Lokale’s proposed switch to Swedish Allsvenskan side IFK Varnamo has collapsed, following a strategic change in the club’s recruitment approach under newly-appointed head coach Arne Sandsto, as per Footy-Africa.
Although a verbal agreement had been reached earlier this year for Lokale to join during the summer transfer window, Varnamo have opted to abandon the move. Sources close to the player told Footy-Africa that the club no longer intends to proceed, citing a renewed emphasis on promoting academy players rather than investing in external talent.
“The agreement had been in place since last season. Everything pointed to a summer move,” the source explained. “But with Sandsto now in charge, the club has changed direction. He believes the squad can be strengthened from within, and Lokale has been informed that the deal is off. It’s a blow, as he had already started preparing mentally for life in Sweden.”
The 24-year-old forward, currently nearing the end of his contract with Kenyan Premier League giants AFC Leopards, now finds himself back on the market. His current deal runs out in under two weeks, making him a free agent and an attractive option for clubs in need of a proven goalscorer.
Lokale’s career has spanned multiple clubs and countries. He previously featured for Finnish side HJK Helsinki during the 2019/20 season and played in the DR Congo for St. Eloi Lupopo. Back home, he’s turned out for KCB FC, Kariobangi Sharks, US Nakuru, and most recently AFC Leopards — where he found the net 13 times in 27 matches across domestic and continental competitions this season.
At the international level, Lokale has represented the Harambee Stars twice, including appearances during Kenya’s African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers against South Sudan.
With his Varnamo dream dashed, Lokale now weighs his next move, hoping to secure a new challenge in Europe or elsewhere — and keep his national team ambitions alive.
