Arsenal Women have confirmed the signing of Hacken attacking midfielder Rosa Kafaji, as reported by Arseblog News on August 1st. Kafaji will wear the number 16 shirt for Arsenal.
The 21-year-old, born in Stockholm, was Hacken’s top scorer with 15 goals last season, including four in the group stages of the Champions League where she impressed playing against PSG, Real Madrid and Chelsea. Kafaji is Arsenal’s third signing of the summer after Mariona Caldentey and Daphne van Domselaar.
“It feels amazing to join this club – I’m so happy to be here,” said Rosa. “I had a very good feeling after speaking to Jonas and Clare and it just feels right to be at Arsenal. I’m hungry to keep growing and I know this is the right place for me to do that and compete for the biggest trophies. I can’t wait to get started and walk out at Emirates Stadium in front of all our supporters.”
Director of Women’s Football Clare Wheatley added: “Rosa is one of the outstanding young players in the game and we’re so happy to have brought her to Arsenal. She has already gained great experience, and has the ambition and desire to continue to develop and grow in our environment. I’m sure our supporters will join me in welcoming Rosa to the club. We look forward to watching her in red and white very soon.”
Head Coach Jonas Eidevall said: “I’m delighted we’ve been able to bring Rosa to the club. She’s one of the most exciting young talents in the world and I’ve been a keen admirer of her game for a number of years. She plays with a fearlessness beyond her age and I know she has the hunger and mentality it takes to realise her potential here with Arsenal.”
We will have an Arsenal Women Arsecast on Kafaji with Amanda Zaza later this morning, as well as a written profile from Damalsvallsken expert Liberty Simons.
Excellent signing! She’s thrilling to watch. Arsenal fans should be excited about this.
That’s a good hacken signing!
I don’t know much about the player. Hopefully she’ll fit in and works out, for me though is it cover for Pelova? Is it squad building? Where does it leave the “fringe players” and the youngsters looking for minutes this season. Kuhl is a good example, loaned out last season because it would have been a waste her keeping the bench warm. With Pelova out it may have meant minutes for those fringe players. I’m not suggesting that kafaji and Kuhl play the same position but there’s fluidity in the midfield, they can all shift around the DM/CM/AM positions. Cooney… Read more »
Well we have to start thinking of a time without Kim and Lia. From her profile it sounds like she is more of a Kim than a Lia but still at an age where there can be some development particularly in the defensive area of the game but what great potential there is. Let’s hope we have more than the usual 2 year’s worth of contract with her signature on it as we don’t want Barca or Lyon sniffing around after her first season with us. As another issue, everyone is worrying about the loss of Viv but no one… Read more »
Fabulous to see it confirmed – I was getting worried!
Welcome to the best club in the world, Rosa Hafaji.
I am very excited because she is just what we need, a young and talented player for the 10 position who scores and assists
Great signing by the club.
Kafaji. Aaargh!
Fun fact: “Häcken” is a slang word for your arse
From one cheek to another then! 🙂