Midfielder becomes our eighth summer signing...
Walsall FC are delighted to announce the signing of Belgian attacking midfielder Franck Moussa on a one-year deal, with a further year's option.The 26-year-old, who ended last season with Southend, becomes the Saddlers' eighth summer recruit.
“I’m really pleased to have signed and I feel this is a club where I will fit in nicely,” said Moussa.
“Last season the team did well and I like the way they play. I spoke to the manager and he explained to me what they’re trying to achieve. He sold the club really well to me.
“I will try to contribute as much as I can to the team and hopefully I will bring some moments that can make a difference.
“I feel this is a big season for me. A lot of trust and confidence has been put in me to perform and I really want to do that and hopefully we can have success as a team.”
Manager Jon Whitney added: “I’d been after Franck for three to four weeks so it’s great for me and great for the club that he’s signed.
“I’ve watched him over the years and he’s tormented teams. He’ll bring pace, individual flare and goals - he scores 25 yarders, tap-ins. He’s a goalscorer and a game changer.
“Franck’s someone I’ve always respected and I’ve always thought that if I could get a team together, I’d like him to be a part of it.
“That’s what I put across to him and he can see the potential of this club and the potential of this young team.”
Born in Brussels, Moussa started his career as a youth player at Anderlecht in his native Belgium before moving to West Ham.
He joined Southend in 2005 and made his first-team debut in a 3-0 win over Colchester the following year, aged just 16.
Moussa went on to score eight goals in 103 competitive appearances for the Shrimpers prior to joining Leicester in 2010.
He then enjoyed two successful years with Coventry, where he gained a reputation for scoring some spectacular goals – including The Mitre Goal of the Year (video below) in 2013.
The 5’8” midfielder signed for Charlton in July 2014 but was restricted to just 23 appearances due to injury problems.
Moussa returned to Southend on a pay as you play basis in March and was offered a new two-year contract in the summer - but turned it down in favour of a move to the Banks's.