It is safe to say that in recent times, Leeds have had slim pickings from Finland in recent years, but Mika Vayrynen and Mikael Forsell weren't the first Fins to fail to live up to the hype as they were following in the footsteps of a trailblazer by the name of Sebastian Sorsa.
In many ways, Sorsa sounded like the perfect signing, he had pace to burn, youth on his side, a desire to impress in mainland Europe, a handful of international caps, experience from continental club competitions and most importantly, Dennis Wise could snap him up on a free transfer from HJK Helsinki. Upon confirming his 18 month deal, Sorsa said this about the club:
'This move is a really good challenge for me and my first goal is to get into the team," said the former Finland Under-21 international.
"It's very professional at Leeds and everyone gives their all. Dennis Wise has a good reputation and he has been a top, top player'
Things sounded positive until we all realised that he wasn't actually playing in any games for the club, I also lost £3 after I put a bet on Sorsa at 13/1 to be first goalscorer in our 3-1 win over Northampton Town in the 2007-08 season. Things were made harder for Soras by the almost immediate departure of Dennis Wise as he took up a Director of Football post at St James' Park. When the squad numbers for the 2008-09 season were announced, it was clear Sorsa was not going to be a big part of McAllister's plans after he handed the Finn the number 38 shirt. It proved out to be that way as well with Hamilton Academical swooping in to take Sorsa. He didn't fare much better north of the border, making only a handful of appearances for the Accies before being released in the summer of 2009.
With his European dream in tatters, Sorsa returned to his hometown club HJK, where he currently plies his trade. He is impressing though and has earned a number of call ups to the Finnish national side and still churns out good performances in the Veikkausliiga.
In many ways, Sorsa sounded like the perfect signing, he had pace to burn, youth on his side, a desire to impress in mainland Europe, a handful of international caps, experience from continental club competitions and most importantly, Dennis Wise could snap him up on a free transfer from HJK Helsinki. Upon confirming his 18 month deal, Sorsa said this about the club:
'This move is a really good challenge for me and my first goal is to get into the team," said the former Finland Under-21 international.
"It's very professional at Leeds and everyone gives their all. Dennis Wise has a good reputation and he has been a top, top player'
Things sounded positive until we all realised that he wasn't actually playing in any games for the club, I also lost £3 after I put a bet on Sorsa at 13/1 to be first goalscorer in our 3-1 win over Northampton Town in the 2007-08 season. Things were made harder for Soras by the almost immediate departure of Dennis Wise as he took up a Director of Football post at St James' Park. When the squad numbers for the 2008-09 season were announced, it was clear Sorsa was not going to be a big part of McAllister's plans after he handed the Finn the number 38 shirt. It proved out to be that way as well with Hamilton Academical swooping in to take Sorsa. He didn't fare much better north of the border, making only a handful of appearances for the Accies before being released in the summer of 2009.
With his European dream in tatters, Sorsa returned to his hometown club HJK, where he currently plies his trade. He is impressing though and has earned a number of call ups to the Finnish national side and still churns out good performances in the Veikkausliiga.