Dominic Sadi
South Coast to Serbia
From the sunny south coast of Bournemouth to the Serbian streets of Novi Pazar.
AFC Bournemouth’s Dominic Sadi has sure racked up more air miles than most 22-year-old footballers have at his age.
Sadi spent the first six months of this season out on loan at FK Novi Pazar but has since returned to the Cherries this January window.
"It was a different experience. Obviously, first time out alone, away from the country, so obviously it's getting to adapt about my new surroundings and everything. And at first it was all about the adapting phase, really. Getting used to the stage I wasn't playing, but getting used to surrounding people and the language. Then once I got kicking off, it went all well in the end."
A product of West Hams academy, earning himself a two-year scholarship, he suffered a big injury which required a major operation.
Sadi was released from the Hammers in 2022 following his recovery but was signed by Bournemouth soon after and hasn’t looked back since.
Serbian Lifestyle
FK Novi Pazar
Fk Novi Pazar are a Serbian club in SuperLiga Srbije. The club were founded in 1928 as Sandak before being renamed in 1962 after merging with club, FK Ras.
Sadi scored twice in 10 appearances across all competions, both coming as winning goals against Napredak and Radnicki Nis helping them move up to fourth before he was recalled.
"Compared to the football you played down here? More physical, 100%. Like, there's much more battles"
Dominic Sadi on the difference in Serbian football.
Duo celebration. Credit: afcb.co.uk
Duo celebration. Credit: afcb.co.uk
Sadi spent last season on loan at National League side Carlisle United and spoke about the challenges in playing for a non-league side compared to one abroad.
"I'd say Novi Pazar was a lot more pressure, 100 percent, because especially what they did last season with them getting a European spot for the first time. You know, you get to play big teams that do play in European spots, like Europa League, Champions League."
Sadi spoke with BUzz reporters Jack Hillman and Jacob Deighton on an exclusive podcast that you can listen to here...
Podcast, With Dominic Sadi, Jack Hillman, Jacob Deighton and Evan Morris
Career so far
Premier League experience
Since returning to the side, Sadi has been an unused substitute in both of the Cherries last two premier league games (Brighton & Liverpool).
However this is not Sadi's first taste of Premier League football as in April 2024 he replaced Alex Scott to come on in their 3-0 victory over Brighton.
"The experience is always nice. The Premier League is where you want to be. Anyone wants to be, it's their dream place to be and obviously just being around it gives me hope that there's opportunity for me there and hopefully more to come."
Sadi has also made a handful of cup appearances for Bournemouth both in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup since his arrival.
He came on against Norwich in the Carabao and got an assist in the final minutes of the game just a few seconds after coming on to level the score at 2-2 leading Bournemouth to a win on penalties.
PL Cup
Last Tuesday saw the U21 squad reach the last eight of the PL Cup for the first time in the clubs history.
They beat Sheffield United, away from home, 2-1 thanks to a brace from Eugene Nyarko. This was a Blades side who topped their group, winning six games from six.
Sadi was involved in the game and helped his side write a new chapter in the history book.
"For me it was a bit of a sweet moment obviously because for myself, I remember two years back we had the opportunity to do it before against Leeds and I remember having an appearance in that game, playing that game as well."
The side fell short in the game against Leeds United at this stage last season through a 90th minute winner for the travelling side, knocking the Cherries out of the cup.
Dominic Sadi is now 22 but still remains with the U21 squad, seeing himself as more of a role model for the younger players hoping to break through.
"In my age now as the oldest, the boys are able to use my experience to help the younger lads obviously get the rewards that they did now. We have a lot of young boys coming through that deserve to put their name in history."
"I always say, create your own luck. You never know who's watching or how you can improve."
Dominic Sadi
What Next?
Dominic Sadi is still unsure where he'll end up come the end of the window but is ready for any challenges that come his way.
"You never know what opportunities may fall in your laps and just always be ready."
At the moment he's focused on helping the Cherries and hopes that the development squad can continue their push in the cup and hopefully bring it home to the Vitality.
Sadi in U21's. Credit: afcb.co.uk
Sadi in U21's. Credit: afcb.co.uk
The Cherries travel to the Molineux Stadium to host Wolves this weekend and Sadi will be hoping that he can brace the pitch in a Black and Red shirt once again.
Text by Shorthand. Images via afcb.co.uk
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