Walsall swoop for Belgium youth star Omar Mussa

The 18-year-old has joined on a short-term deal until the end of the season, with the option of a further year in the Saddlers’ favour.

Mussa has been training with Walsall's squad for the past month and has signed at the Banks’s after compensation was agreed between the two clubs.

“I’m very happy to sign for Walsall and I am excited to start life here,” said Mussa.

“I’m very ambitious and I can’t wait to get going.

“My aim is to help everyone and hopefully get in the team and earn myself a longer deal by impressing the manager.

“I like to keep the ball. I play in the gap just behind the striker and I will always look to create opportunities for my teammates or for myself.

“I hope I can add goals to this team and give the fans a good feeling.

“I have been welcomed in by everyone from the first minute I arrived here. Everyone here wants to give you confidence, they want you to succeed.”

Mussa's arrival follows that of Matt Jarvis from Norwich.

Boss Dean Keates added: “We have had a look at Omar over the last few weeks and he has really impressed us.

“He has been involved with the under-18s for Belgium and is an attacking midfielder player but a bit different to what we have in the group at the moment.

“His technical ability is exceptional. He has got great feet, can pick a pass and strikes a great ball.

“He is a welcome addition to the squad going into the second half of the season.”