Arsenal loanee Charles Sagoe Jr. kept his strong form going with a goal in a friendly this weekend, as Kalmar prepare to return to competitive action next Sunday.
Arsenal loan forward Charles Sagoe Jr. made a start in Kalmar FF’s friendly match against Brommapojkarna on Saturday, their final scheduled practice match before competitive football returns on July 5th.
The Swedish Allsvenskan runs on a calendar-year basis, so rather than this being the beginning of a new campaign, Kalmar are simply returning to league action.
So the team’s 2-0 win over Brommapojkarna will be encouraging, as it was against the team six positions above them in the current league table. Even more encouraging from an Arsenal perspective, Sagoe Jr. grabbed one of the two goals.
Arsenal’s loan moves can be hit and miss, and Sagoe Jr. knows that as well as anyone. His previous spells away with Swansea City and Shrewsbury Town were underwhelming, as he failed to notch a goal or assist with either club, and he hardly even made it onto the pitch with Swansea.
The 21-year-old had to take a step back last season, returning to the Arsenal u21s and scoring or assisting 12 goals in 14 games in the first half of 2025/26, ultimately earning his current move to Sweden.
“I felt I needed a fresh start and an opportunity to show what I can do,” Sagoe Jr. said in February.
“When I found out that Kalmar was interested in me, I did my research. I spoke with the sporting director, the coach, and others at the club. Everyone spoke so highly of the club and how hard everyone here works to develop. It felt like the right place for me to develop into first-team football.”
Now, Sagoe Jr. is finally off the mark in the senior game, scoring twice and assisting five goals in his first 12 competitive games for Kalmar. His goal in Saturday’s friendly match suggests there’s more to come in the second half of the season.
The winger will remain out on loan until January 2027, playing in the Swedish top flight and domestic cup before coming back to Arsenal with just six months left on his contract.
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