Arsenal in huge blow as youth guru Yousuf Sajjad quits club after helping Mikel Arteta and Edu snap-up emerging talent
TALENT spotter Yousuf Sajjad is leaving Arsenal at the end of this month.
The Gunners’ head of emerging talent joined from Chelsea three years ago and has left a strong impression in North London.
Sajjad has been responsible for the club’s development sides between Under-17 and Under-23 level and has overseen a huge uptick in results.
According to The Athletic, Sajjad handed in his notice earlier this month and will leave at the end of September.
They add that he has left to join another club, and will begin his new job on October 1.
Sajjad worked primarily with technical director Edu and academy manager Per Mertesacker – as well as head of talent identification Lee Herron.
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From being close to the PL2’s relegation spots when Sajjad arrived, Arsenal currently find themselves top of the table following four wins and a draw to start the season.
The Gunners also managed a third-placed finish last term.
Sajjad has been responsible for a number of young signings including Mika Biereth and Salah Oulad M’Hand.
However, Arsenal were disappointed to lose Omari Hutchinson at the end of last season.
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The promising attacker opted to join Chelsea and, aged 18, is now playing for the Blues’ Under-21s.
Hutchinson experienced defeat when he faced his old side in a PL2 clash last month.
The young Blues were thumped 4-1 by Arsenal at Meadow Park, with James Olayinka, Khayon Edwards, Charles Sagoe Jr and Nathan Butler-Oyedeji getting on the scoresheet.