RAYON Sports have completed the signing of Togolese striker Alex Harlley Nyarko from American side Las Vegas Lights ahead of the 2020-21 season. It is reported that Harlley, 27, is a nephew to former Arsenal star Emmanuel Adebayor. The highly anticipated signing will replace Ghanaian striker Michael Sarpong whose contract was terminated in April and sacked with immediate effect allegedly for insulting club president Sadate Munyakazi. In a short video announcing his signing on Friday, Harlley said: “Hey Rayon Sports fans, I am happy to sign for you. See you next season, let’s make history together.” Nine-time champions Rayon look to rebuild and certainly have a lot to do with their squad that lacks in many positions following the departures of most of its key players. “Harlley [Nyarko] is a complete striker and we believe his arrival will bring something special to the team,” said a club official who talked to this publication on condition of anonymity. “We have lately lost a number of senior players, the new philosophy is to beef the squad with a few experienced players and give a chance to many young talents.” Former skipper Eric Rutanga and right-back Eric Iradukunda joined Police, while goalkeeper Yves Kimenyi and left-back Eric Irambona were signed at SC Kiyovu. Midfielder Fabrice Mugheni has also since left the club. About Harlley Harlley arrived in the United States at the age of 18. While he pursued his studies at Rosamond High School, he tied or broke school records in most categories; winning MVP awards and all-league honors in junior youth and junior championships. After graduating high school, he was approached by different NCAA Division 1 schools, particularly University of California Irvine. However, he was ruled ineligible to join the school but eventually earned a full scholarship to Yavapai College. He was a standout at Yavapai College, tallying 22 goals and 17 assists in 23 matches during his only season with the team. In 2012, he was invited for a trial – which he did not pass – with VSI Tampa Bay FC of the USL Pro. From 2011 to 2013, Harlley played for FC Santa Clarita. On March 5, 2014 Harlley signed his first professional contract with Atlanta Silverbacks of the North American Soccer League. He made his debut for the club on May 10, 2014 against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers. The Silverbacks lost the game 4-0 and Harlley was sent off with a red card. Since his professional debut with Silverbacks, the Togolese striker has also since played for Pittsburgh Riverhounds, Georgia Revolution FC and Las Vegas Lights – all in the United States.
