Sagoe Jr finding his feet – and form – in Sweden

The Swedish city of Kalmar lies 1,200km from where Charles Sagoe Jr started his footballing journey at Hale End as a boy - but it could be just the place that unlocks his potential.

Situated on the Baltic Sea in the south-west of the nation, Kalmar has fewer than 45,000 residents and dates back to the Stone Age. The ancient city is now home to a Swedish first-division side, Kalmar FF, where Charles is plying his trade this season.

The 22-year-old made the move in February, before the league season begins in April and ends in November, and while there were nerves about moving abroad for the first time, Charles has settled into life in the Scandinavian nation.

"It was a bit nerve-wracking, coming over to a new country, leaving home, but I've been really welcomed by the staff, my teammates and the city," Charles explained.

"The move was something I wanted to explore, and I've been seeing what the league's about and especially when it comes to developing and nurturing young talent, so that's something I felt like I could go and really embrace and express my talent and show people what I'm about.

"My teammates and the coaching staff have been amazing in making sure I've settled quickly. We've done a lot of activities on and off the pitch, like go-karting or laser tag, which has brought everyone closer together and created an atmosphere which has allowed me to play at my best."

Regular football has been a key part of Charles' development in Sweden. The winger, who made his debut for us in 2023 against Brentford in the Carabao Cup, has played over 1,000 minutes this campaign, netting three times and providing eight assists.

His winner against defending champions Mjallby is an undoubted highlight, according to Charles, as well as his assist against giants Malmo. His performances have even prompted the Kalmar faithful to chant for him, something that caught him by surprise.

"There are so many elements that I love about the Swedish culture here, and that's what took me by surprise: how much love they have for the game, and I've been shown that love as well, especially the home supporters.

"They've been so supportive of me; I've got a little chant as well, which is lovely to hear when you're on the pitch playing well. I think that gives me an extra percentage on the pitch.

"Apart from the goals and assists, being able to play at some incredible places has been my other favourite thing so far. Every pitch is very different, some are artificial, some are grass. We've played in some incredible atmospheres. I can definitely vouch for the Swedish football culture, which has been amazing to experience for me.

"The Swedish culture and tradition when it comes to football, it's something that will live with me for a long time in my career because I've enjoyed every moment since stepping into the city."

A new city brings a new culture. Charles was born in Kingston, west London, part of a London borough that is three times the size of Kalmar city. "It's very different to London," Charles explains. "It's a city that is incredibly friendly, especially from people who don't know you, which is really nice.

"There's a lot of fish on the menu. I've certainly eaten a lot more fish here than I did back in London. At the club, it's on the menu all the time so I've tried quite a bit of it. I haven't yet tried to cook anything Swedish myself just yet, but maybe I will try!

"There are plenty of things I would like to see and explore in Sweden, even in Kalmar. They have an Ironman event here which is massive for the place, that was quite cool to see."

There are 12 matches remaining in the league season, and Kalmar sit just one spot above the relegation playoff position. The league has a surprise leader, Sirius, gunning for a first-ever league title, and Charles is excited for what's left in 2026.

"This is a really competitive league. Sirius have been top for a long time, but they've lost two on the trot; anyone can beat anyone here.

"My aim is to keep affecting games as much as I can, and of course score more and get more assists too. The record for a season is 15, and I'm on eight, so I'd love to get to 15. It's a big target, but I set high standards for myself.

"We want to win as many games as possible and move up the table. I just want to keep enjoying my football and play with a smile on my face, which Kalmar has allowed me to do so far."