Konyaspor have officially withdrawn from the race to sign Guinean winger Salifou Soumah, clearing the way for the Zira FK player to join Dynamo Kyiv.
The Turkish club confirmed on Monday that it will no longer pursue the 23-year-old, acknowledging that the Ukrainian side had presented a more compelling offer.
The decision brings an end to recent speculation surrounding Soumah’s future and solidifies Kyiv as his likely next destination.
Soumah, currently under contract with Azerbaijani side Zira FK, has been the subject of interest from several European clubs following a series of impressive performances.
Konyaspor had identified him as a priority target to bolster their attacking options ahead of the new season. However, negotiations stalled after Dynamo Kyiv entered the frame with a financial package that reportedly exceeded what the Turkish club was prepared to offer.
In an official statement, Konyaspor expressed respect for the player’s decision and Dynamo Kyiv’s approach, while noting that the club would now redirect its recruitment efforts elsewhere.
“We have ended our pursuit of Salifou Soumah due to financial considerations and will shift focus toward alternative targets to strengthen our squad,” the club said.
For Dynamo Kyiv, securing Soumah represents a notable victory in a competitive transfer market. The club has been actively seeking to add depth to its wide positions, and the acquisition of the Guinean international is expected to enhance their attacking threat as they prepare for the upcoming Ukrainian Premier League campaign.
Soumah’s likely move to Kyiv also underscores the growing reputation of Zira FK as a club capable of developing talent and attracting interest from top-tier European teams.
The winger’s speed, dribbling ability, and creativity in the final third have caught the eye of scouts, and his next challenge will be to replicate that form in one of Eastern Europe’s most competitive leagues.
Konyaspor’s withdrawal from the deal reflects the increasingly complex nature of mid-tier European transfers, where financial considerations and strategic ambitions often determine the outcome more than initial interest.
While disappointed by the outcome, the Turkish side is expected to remain active in the market, with several positions identified for reinforcement before the new season begins.
As for Soumah, a formal announcement from Dynamo Kyiv is anticipated in the coming days, once personal terms and final paperwork are completed.
Should the deal be finalised as expected, it will mark a significant step in the player’s career, offering him a platform on which to further develop and possibly attract attention from even larger clubs in the future.
With Konyaspor now out of the picture, all signs point to Ukraine as the next chapter in Salifou Soumah’s rising football journey.
