Atletico Ottawa Adds Le Havre Youth Standout Sacko

Atletico Ottawa looks to have secured quite a high-ceiling international youngster with the addition of Aboubakary Sacko, a French left-sided defender who joins the side on a two-year deal.

Sacko, 20, has rapidly rose through the youth ranks of Ligue 2 side Le Havre, having last featured for the club’s reserve side in 2022.

“Abou is a versatile player with great potential,” says Atletico Ottawa head coach Carlos Gonzalez, who will also deploy international defenders in Diego Espejo and Miguel Acosta.

“He’s a box-to-box player who is equally comfortable in attack and defence. His speed and one-on-one abilities will be an asset to our team, and he provides depth and competition on the left side of our team.”

If Le Havre sounds familiar, that’s because their academy system has produced a number of household name talent like Paul Pogba, Riyad Mahrez, and Dimitri Payet.

See Also: 2023 CPL Roster Tracker

Sacko’s professional career began with a massive five-year development contract with Le Havre. Inking that in 2016, he rose through the U-17 and U-19 ranks to feature for the club’s B team, for whom he made five appearances in the 2022-2023 season.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Sacko to the Atletico Ottawa family,” said Atletico Ottawa CEO Fernando Lopez. “He’s an exciting addition to our team and brings with him a wealth of experience from one of the most prestigious academies in France. We look forward to seeing him grow and develop with us.”

With Ollie Bassett and Gianni Dos Santos also on the roster, the club has room for two more internationals under league roster rules.

This morning saw the club record a 2-2 draw with UD Sanse in preseason action, with trialist defender Tyr Walker bagging a last-gasp equalizer.

French defender Sacko joins Atletico Ottawa on a two-year deal.