Sheffield Wednesday Football Club has secured its second signing of the summer transfer window by acquiring Burundi international defender Jordi Liongola from Belgian Pro League side RAAL La Louviere for an undisclosed fee.
The 26-year-old attacking full-back, who can also play as a right-midfielder, signed a three-year contract at Hillsborough pending international clearance.
He follows Ricardo Santos, who joined last week, as part of the Owls' squad rebuilding ahead of the League One campaign.
Impressive Stint in Belgium
Liongola arrives in South Yorkshire after making 125 total appearances for RAAL La Louviere, registering 12 goals and 16 assists.
During his tenure, the club achieved back-to-back promotions to debut in the Belgian top tier in 2025.
Last season, he contributed two goals and six assists across 31 appearances.
The defender expressed his enthusiasm on the club's official website as the team prepares for pre-season training at Middlewood Road.
"I'm joining in a new era and that is something that really excites me.
Sheffield Wednesday are a big club, an historic club with a lot of fans, so I'm looking forward to the future," Liongola said.
Liongola, who has earned 15 international caps for Burundi, developed through the youth academies of Standard Liege and Royal Antwerp before signing his first professional contract with Lierse Kempenzonen in 2021.
"We have a good chance to go and play a great season and I am a player who will always try to give everything on the pitch.
For me to come to the club at this time, right at the start of the pre-season, is a perfect situation.
Everything is so positive here and I'm excited to be part of it," he added.
Sheffield Wednesday Sporting Director Simon Wilson highlighted Liongola's recent achievements and consistent performances in the Belgian top flight while acknowledging the transition ahead.
"Jordi is a player we are very excited to bring to Sheffield Wednesday.
He arrives with a remarkable story, having played an important role in RAAL's rise through back-to-back promotions before helping establish the club in the top tier of Belgian football," Wilson said.
Wilson emphasized confidence in the defender's physical attributes and professional experience to help him adapt to English football.
"His performance levels have been consistently strong in a highly competitive league, and we believe this represents an excellent opportunity to acquire a player of his quality and experience."
The sporting director urged patience from supporters as the full-back transitions into a new country and league.
"Moving to a new country and league naturally requires an adaptation period, so patience will be important, but we are confident he has the attributes to settle quickly and succeed."
