Tai Sodje: Anglo-Nigerian striker completes move from Buxton to Walsall

Anglo-Nigerian forward Tai Sodje has joined Walsall from Buxton, completing a move that takes the 22-year-old striker into the EFL with the League Two club. The centre-forward has signed a contract at Bescot Stadium running until 30 June 2028.

Sodje arrives from National League North side Buxton, where he rebuilt his career after leaving Manchester City’s academy system. The Sheffield-born attacker, who stands at 1.79m and favours his right foot, moves up two divisions as Walsall look to add more cutting edge at the top end of the pitch.

A former Manchester City youth player, Sodje progressed through the Premier League champions’ age groups, stepping up from the youth ranks to the under-18s and then the under-23s. He was part of a successful generation at City, winning the U21 Premier League twice and lifting the English U18 league title in two consecutive seasons.

Sodje’s scoring record at age-group level with City was notable, hitting 19 goals in 27 U18 Premier League appearances and finding the net in both the FA Youth Cup and UEFA Youth League. He also gained early senior experience with Buxton in the National League North, scoring 11 times in 21 league outings and featuring in play-off fixtures.

The forward has already had a taste of senior cup competitions, with appearances in the FA Cup and EFL Trophy adding to his development. Sodje’s transfer from Buxton to Walsall is a permanent move and ties him to the League Two club for the next two seasons.