American soccer professional side, Phoenix Rising FC has announced the signing of Gambian international defender Baboucarr “Babou” Njie to a multi-year contract, on Monday, pending league and federation approval.
The 26-year-old, Njie joins the American 2nd Division side, Rising FC after a 2021 season that saw him help Rio Grande Valley FC reach the USL Championship Playoffs and advance to the Western Conference Semifinals.
“Babou is a tremendous addition to our team. He’s very athletic and extremely skillful. He is a strong player and an amazing and humble person, ” manager Rick Schantz said in a press release.
“The goal he scored against us in the playoffs is the type of assertive attacking play I expect we’ll see often from Babou in 2022.”
According to Arizona Sports, Njie only played a total of 1,391 minutes in 2021 for RGV, but still managed to lead the club with 151 duels won and ranked second in tackles won with 36.
He may have only started 14 matches last season including two playoff games but the 26-year-old was in the starting XI for his side’s final 11 contests in all competitions.
Babou Njie has the ability to play in the midfield as well, having scored two goals to go along with one assist in his 28 appearances in 2021.
“I cannot wait to get to Phoenix and start working,” Njie said in the release. “I’m excited to feel what everyone else feels like when they’re playing for Phoenix. I could see it in everyone’s eyes.
Meanwhile, prior to joining the Toros, Njie played in the USL Championship for Atlanta United 2 in 2020, making 11 appearances.
He previously spent three seasons at North Carolina Wesleyan College from 2016 to 2019, scoring 34 goals and 19 assists in 57 appearances in the No. 10 role. In his final collegiate season, he was named USA South Player of the Year and to the NCAA Division III All America First Team.
