Dominic Sadi: AFC Bournemouth’s Rising Star

The AFC Bournemouth academy has produced much talent in recent years; however, one player is catching eyes for all the right reasons.

20-year-old Dominic Sadi had what you could call a ‘breakout season’ last year which involved producing brilliant performances for the Cherries Development Squad.

He won Goal of the Month across the whole club, he captained the u’21s, and was given his Premier League Debut for the first team.

League Title Push

The Cherries development squad had a brilliant 23/24 season, and for most of the year were in pole position to finish top of their table and advance to the title playoffs.

However, surges from both Millwall u’21s and Swansea u’21s late on in the season pushed the young Cherries down to third before the final game of the season.

The Development Squad needed to win with a 15-goal margin to finish second and go to the playoffs. They won the final game 6-0, leaving them level on points with Swansea in second however not having a higher goal difference ended their season.

On the season, Sadi said: “I see it as a success for our first year in the Category 2 league.

“It’s learning curves, we now know what the level brings, and we can work and achieve bigger things.”

Premier League Debut

Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth team were 3-0 up against Brighton in April, and on the bench was young prospect Dominic Sadi.

In the 92nd minute, the 4th Official’s board went up with a green 49 on it, Dominic Sadi was making his Premier League Debut.

Speaking about that monumental day, Sadi said: “That day still shocks me to this moment, I never saw it coming from a mile away.

“I put in lots of work and time before it but also its down to the performance on the day to be able to come on.

“It was a great feeling; I had my girlfriend in the stands watching down just behind me so yeah it felt nice!”

A Spanish Pre-Season

With the first team travelling to Los Angeles for their pre season, the development squad travelled to Spain.

The Young Cherries whilst out there faced Spanish side F.C Cartagena, and Nottingham Forest u’21s. Sadi scoring twice.

They then returned to the UK where they faced Weymouth and Wimborne Town before their season start.

Sadi said: “Pre-season was decent, going to Spain with the boys.

“It was a different experience as before I was one of the younger ones to now being one of the older ones is a whole new challenge that I took on.

“It felt good with getting match fitness back to normal.”

New Faces

The summer saw lots of changes to Alan Connell’s side.

Striker Dan Adu-Adjei signed for Carlisle United on loan, winger Michael DaCosta-Gonzalez signed for Crawley Town on Loan.

Goalkeeper Cameron Plain was released and signed for Poole Town.

However, this has meant that exciting new faces have joined and stepped up the side. Cal McKenna was signed from Queen’s Park Football Club, having been a target of Manchester United.

Jonny Stuttle is an exciting prospect, taking the vacant striker role having been on loan at Wimborne the previous season.

On this, Sadi said: “The squad has differed a lot, meaning a lot more younger boys have to step up to the plate.

“They have more than enough quality to do it and showed me that this pre-season.

“I’m excited to see what more they can show me!”

Pen to Paper

It was announced in the beginning of August that Dominic Sadi had signed a new long term deal with the Cherries.

Scoring 14 times in the league, plus many assists and a Premier League debut, it was only a matter of time.

On the deal, Sadi said: “I’m happy to have got it across the line, it was a very beautiful moment for myself and my family to get the opportunity to stay at the club and work to impress and improve in the future!”

A New Season

Dominic and his teammates began their season on the 16th of August, against a very strong Hull u’21s side.

It ended in a victory for the young Cherries, 2-0 the score with Sadi leading the side as captain.

Speaking on the win, Sadi said: “It was a beautiful beginning to what looks like a strong season for us.

“Being captain to this talented side, we showed our levels at the minimum and we’re excited for what’s to come!”

What’s Next?

There is definitely a bright future ahead of the 20 year old, with a league season ahead that the young Cherries will want to win, a chance of more PL appearances for the Men’s first team and what is for certain, plenty more goals and assists for Dominic Sadi.

You can catch Sadi and the other stars of the AFC Bournemouth development squad in action at the Wyatt Homes Stadium in Wimborne where they play their home games with free entry.

Next up for the development squad, they host Burnley u’21s on the 27th August at the Wyatt Homes Stadium.