Dominic Sadi: The Road to Restoration
Cherries new boy Dominic Sadi has faced and overcome challenges throughout the beginning of his career but just how far can this young man go?
By Evan Morris
Who is Dominic Sadi?
Should you just give up?
Clearly the phrase ‘give up’ just isn’t in Dominic Sadi’s vocabulary as AFC Bournemouth’s young starlet continues to grow both on and off the field.
Dom, who was born on the 2nd of September 2003, grew up in Eastleigh, England as a young boy obsessed with kicking ball.
His career began in the current UEFA Conference League holders, West Ham, academy as a teenager.
This was where he earned himself a 2-year scholarship.
However, in the 2021-22 season, Sadi was sent out on loan to the Isthmian League Premier Division as West Ham wanted him to experience first team football.
What is the Isthmian League Premier Division? A mouthful of a league to say for a start, but it allowed for Dom to put his talent on display.
He managed to pick up 2 goals in 6 games scoring on his debut in a 3-0 win over Baldock Town.
However, his career was hit with a devastating blow as after his return to West Ham, the club parted ways with him leaving him stranded.
Bournemouth pre-match, shot by Evan Morris
Bournemouth pre-match, shot by Evan Morris
Sadi said: ‘It was a hard time in my career, I'd say. Especially at the time I had a really big operation on myself.’
‘Coming out, basically, of the football world, your mind can go wild and think of other things.’
It gave him time to reflect on everything in his career up to then and luckily had a support barrier that pushed him through.
‘I had great people by my side, my family members and friends and everyone. They kept telling me, there's no need for you to stop and you can literally go today and then go far.’
Sadi also gave some advice for those struggling with the same issue: ‘I say be open-minded and open-handed to any advice and help from people and most importantly just work hard and believe in your own ability and be, you know, self-critical to yourself at the same time.’
AFC Bournemouth warming up pre-game, shot by Evan Morris
AFC Bournemouth warming up pre-game, shot by Evan Morris
Not always a fairy-tale ending
Rejection is never easy.
Some players are released and never find their way back to football.
Gabriel Perry was a member of Bristol City’s academy as a teenager and trained with the team before being let go of and never got his second chance.
He now plays Sunday league football and has devoted his future to university but would’ve killed for anyone to have taken him under their wing.
‘It was amazing to learn and play with high experienced players and coaches week in week out’
Perry also spoke on his thoughts when he got the news.
‘I was devastated, it was the last time I saw most of my teammates that I'd grown up with. It was very difficult to find more opportunities, I was in a very rough spot.’
In the modern era, charities and organisations have been constructed to help players who have been released with Perry saying, ‘I think they are crucial in the modern game as some people just can’t recover from the pain and lose all motivation to do anything.’
Charites like ‘The football family’ have helped many players through their struggles.
Each year over 11,000 players aged 8-18 are released and although some can cope with it, a few struggle drastically.
The sudden change is massive, and players are thrown right in the deep end of ‘The real world.’
Youth Academy to the First Team
Bournemouth at home, shot by Evan Morris
Bournemouth at home, shot by Evan Morris
Bournemouth at home, shot by Evan Morris
Bournemouth at home, shot by Evan Morris
Bournemouth at home, shot by Evan Morris
Bournemouth at home, shot by Evan Morris
Luckily for Dom his career didn't end in that way.
In the summer of 2022 Dominic was rescued by Bournemouth and has been playing under 21’s football since.
His performances have been nothing short of outstanding and have clearly been noticed by First Team manager, Andoni Iraola.
‘It's the first season that the 21s are in league bases. It helps the first team see who's doing well and what's going on with results or goals and assists.’
Bournemouth at home, shot by Evan Morris
Sadi also impressed former manager Scott Parker with his raw talent.
Parker called him up for Bournemouth’s Carabao Cup midweek game against Norwich back in 2022 where Sadi came on as substitute late in the game.
He managed to pick up an assist in the latter stages that resulted in the game going to pens which Bournemouth won.
Bournemouth at home, shot by Evan Morris
‘Just coming on and having Jadon Anthony, who was there at the time, give me advice it was just a lovely moment and to share that with Brooklyn, who scored at the time, you know, both of us making our debuts and having that moment together, yeah, it was all lovely in the end.’
Brooklyn Genesini now plays for Swindon Town but has spent the last few months on loan at Yeovil Town.
'It felt like I was going back to my younger self, my five-year-old self, you know, just being happy and enjoying, like, and seeing where my like for the sport came from, I love the sport.'
Dominic Sadi
Premier league steps
There’s always proof that dreams can come true.
Sunday the 28th of April saw Dominic Sadi take his first steps in Premier League football.
Bournemouth picked up a valuable 3 points with a 3-0 win over Brighton with Dominic saying:
Crowd perspective on the Vitality Stadium, shot by Evan Morris
Crowd perspective on the Vitality Stadium, shot by Evan Morris
‘It was shell shocking, it's something I've always dreamed of and to see that dream coming alive, it was just an emotional standpoint for me, and I loved it all.’
‘It's a good step and it's a huge step for me and a big milestone in my career which I'm proud to get.’
Sadi has had many leaders throughout his career, but AFC Bournemouth’s Alan Connell has been inspirational in pushing him to reach new heights.
‘Alan has been great, just every time any moment he can give me advice and be critical on my game and what can help me to reach levels that he knows I can reach.’
‘We became a family this season. I'd say all the boys have influenced myself and hopefully I've influenced the boys as well. It's all been great.’
Crazy to think that 2 years ago he was club less and on the verge of giving up.
Local Bournemouth season ticket holder Ethan Li believes Sadi can go right to the very top.
'I don't think we have had a talent like this in the development squad in a long time'
'I'm excited to see where his career takes him.'
What does the future hold for Sadi
Dom’s just getting started with his 21st birthday nearing closer.
What’s next for Sadi? Where does he progress further?
While despite him claiming he’s: ‘never been much of a fortune teller.’ the future looks bright for the Cherries star.
The hopes of regular Premier League football are still in his sights.
He’s continuing to develop in the Under 21’s squad and looks forward to future success at AFC Bournemouth.
Sadi’s ideal plans for a year's time include: ‘Hopefully doing being in a position or doing something where you know I can be able to advance my career.’
His main aim still remains to: ‘Get my name out there and become more known in the football world and advance my football career.’
Bournemoth fans are all excited to see just how far this young man can go.
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