Hassane Imourane’s transfer to Grasshopper Club Zürich has been officially confirmed, with the deal marking a significant milestone for both the player and his former club, Loto-Popo FC.
After weeks of speculation, the details of the transfer have now been made public. The Beninese midfielder, widely regarded as one of the country’s most promising young talents, moves to the Swiss side in a deal reportedly worth 248 million CFA francs—approximately €378,000.
The figure was disclosed by Loto-Popo’s general manager, Wilfrido Ayibatin, in a statement that also underscored the broader significance of the move.
“This transaction exceeds four times the annual state subsidy typically granted to clubs,” Ayibatin stated, highlighting the substantial financial benefit the club has secured.
The deal, according to him, not only reflects the club’s dedication to developing young talent but also serves as a blueprint for other teams across Benin aiming to break into the international football market.
For Imourane, the transfer represents a major leap forward in his career. At just 21 years old, the move to a European league offers both a fresh challenge and the opportunity to further develop his game on a more competitive stage.
His signing by Grasshopper Zürich is seen as a strong endorsement of his potential and the quality of training he received in Benin.
While the financial figures surrounding the move initially remained undisclosed, the eventual revelation added a layer of historical weight to the deal It marks one of the most lucrative transfers involving a Beninese club in recent years, serving as a powerful statement of the growing visibility and credibility of football talent emerging from West Africa.
The deal also opens up wider conversations around the role of local clubs as breeding grounds for elite talent. For Loto-Popo, this sale is more than a commercial success—it is an endorsement of the club’s commitment to youth development and a signal to others in the region that sustained investment in grassroots football can yield real returns.
Ayibatin noted that the transaction should encourage clubs to look beyond traditional funding models and explore more sustainable revenue streams such as player development and transfers.
“This move proves that we have the capacity to generate substantial income through our own resources and long-term planning,” he said.
The transfer has already begun to resonate throughout the Beninese football community, with many seeing it as a turning point for the sport in the country.
It offers a tangible example of how far commitment, structure, and talent can take a club—and a player—from local prominence to the European stage.
As Hassane Imourane prepares to begin his journey in Switzerland, his story stands as a testament to what is possible for footballers and clubs operating outside the spotlight. For Loto-Popo, the success of this deal will likely be remembered not just for its financial reward, but for its lasting impact on the club’s legacy and its contribution to the evolution of Benin’s place in global football.
