Swedish football club BK Häcken has made a significant move by loaning out their promising striker, John Paul Dembe, to second-tier side IK Oddevold until the summer, Swift Sports reports.
This decision aims to provide the 18-year-old with ample playing time at a competitive level, a vital step in his development. Despite his talent, Dembe has found limited opportunities with the Häcken senior team since his arrival from KCCA FC last summer, featuring in just five games.
However, he showcased his scoring prowess with the Häcken U19 Team, netting an impressive 10 goals in eight matches in the U19 League.
Expressing his aspirations, Dembe stated: “I hope to score a lot of goals and come back a better player,” upon the confirmation of his loan move.
The young striker gained attention during the 2023 AFCON U20 tournament in Egypt, leading to his initial loan deal with Häcken before securing a permanent transfer on a four-year contract in December last year. According to Transfermarkt the player’s current market value is estimated at €125,000.
Dembe’s new destination, IK Oddevold, recently earned promotion to the Superettan, Sweden’s second-tier football league. With the 2024 Superettan set to kick off on March 30th, IK Oddevold will face Trelleborg FF in their first league fixture on March 31st, marking the beginning of Dembe’s journey with his new club.
