Eetu Saarela (born 24 April 2006) is a Finnish professional footballer playing as a centre back for Veikkausliiga club AC Oulu.
Early life Saarela was born in Oulu, but lived in San Diego, United States, during 2009–2019 due to parents' work.
Career Saarela played in the youth sector of Oulun Luistinseura (OLS),OLS PELAAJIA MUKANA MINIALUETURNAUKSESSA JA HUUHKAJATURNAUKSESSA!, ols.fi and was part of OLS U17 squad finishing 2nd in the youth league in 2023, and thus winning the silver medal. He scored the decisive equalizing goal in the extra-time against HJK U17 on 30 September 2023, which secured the 2nd spot for his team.
Saarela signed his first professional contract with AC Oulu organisation on 13 December 2023.EETU SAARELA SOPIMUKSEEN AC OULUN KANSSA, acoulu.fi, 13 December 2023
On 27 January 2024, Saarela made his senior debut with AC Oulu first team, in a Finnish League Cup draw against FC Haka.
On 14 August 2024, his contract was extended on a two-year deal with a one-year option.AC OULU SOPIMUKSEEN EETU SAARELAN KANSSA, acoulu.fi, 14 August 2024
International career Saarela made his international debut for Finland U18 national team on 24 March 2024, in a 2–2 friendly draw against Croatia.U18-pojat nousi tasatulokseen Kroatian vieraana, Finnish FA, 24 March 2024
Career statistics Tulospalvelu Palloliitto, E.Saarela, Finnish FA/ Palloliitto + Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueCupLeague cupEuropeTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsOLS2024Ykkönen23100——231AC Oulu2024Veikkausliiga102120—512025Veikkausliiga000010–10Total1021310062Career total241213000292
Honours OLS U17 P17 SM-sarja: 2023 Runners-upEetu Saarelan maali lisäajalla toi oululaisille poikien SM-hopeaa – "Tämä ei ollut ensimmäinen kerta, kun käänsimme lopussa ottelun eduksemme", Kaleva, 30 September 2023
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