Forgotten former Arsenal striker joins Chinese second division team after contract termination
Yaya Sanogo has signed a deal with Chinese second division side Qingdao Red Lions, marking the final chapter of his journeyman career.
Sanogo, now 31, left his previous club, Armenian Premier League side Urartu, at the end of last month following the mutual termination of his contract.
first Arsenal The striker had been at the club for just a year, scoring six goals in 17 appearances, but has now found another home just over a month later.
Sanogo has been pictured smiling with his new team Qingdao Red Lions' scarf around his neck and holding his jersey.
Go back 11 years and the former France international was thought to be on the verge of a “bright future” at the Emirates.
The Auxerre youth player was signed by legendary Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger in 2013.
“Sanogo is a good young signing for us,” said the Frenchman upon his arrival. “He has shown that he has potential with his recent performances with Auxerre and also with the French under-20 team.
“We are looking forward to Yaya joining us and continuing her promising development. Of course, she has a great future here.”
Sanogo was even nominated for a Golden Boy Award in 2013.
However, despite the hype surrounding his signing, Sanogo ultimately only made 20 appearances for the Gunners, scoring one goal and providing two assists in that time.
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Most Arsenal fans will remember him for scoring in the 2-0 win. Jurgen Klopp's Borussia Dortmund to secure a place in the Champions League last 16 in 2014. They also won the FA Cup that year.
But a lack of goals and injuries, as well as unsuccessful loan spells which Sanogo has since admitted he “didn't handle well”, were the cause of his downfall at Arsenal.
Sanogo took out numerous loans while with the Gunners, first in crystal Palacethen Ajax and then to Charlton.
Following his departure from Arsenal in 2017, Sanogo joined Toulousescoring 16 goals in 72 appearances.
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He then returned to England with Huddersfield in 2021, but failed to score a goal before being released at the end of the season. He did not sign for Urartu until January 2023.
