Royal Antwerp have expressed a strong interest in signing Burkinabe striker Lassina Franck Traoré from Shakhtar Donetsk, as the player looks to bring a new dimension to his career after four seasons in Ukrainian football.
Despite flashes of brilliance during his time with Shakhtar, Traoré has struggled to fully cement his place as the club’s first-choice centre-forward.
With one year remaining on his contract, the 24-year-old appears keen to seek a fresh challenge, and Antwerp have emerged as serious contenders for his signature.
According to Belgian outlet Het Laatste Nieuws, the Pro League champions are monitoring the situation closely and have already taken concrete steps towards a potential deal.
Their interest is reportedly reciprocated, with Traoré understood to be open to joining the Belgian side, known affectionately as “The Great Old.”
However, Shakhtar Donetsk are expected to drive a hard bargain. New head coach Arda Turan is believed to see the Burkinabe forward as part of his plans for the upcoming season, complicating any potential exit.
The Ukrainian club have already rejected an initial offer of €2.5 million from Royal Antwerp, as reported by journalist Lassina Sawadogo.
Shakhtar are reportedly holding out for a higher fee, more in line with Traoré’s current market value, which Transfermarkt estimates at €4 million.
This means Antwerp may need to significantly improve their bid if they are to secure the striker’s services before the transfer window closes.
Traoré, who began his European career at Ajax Amsterdam before making the move to Shakhtar in 2021, has recorded 24 goals and 17 assists across 97 appearances in all competitions for the Ukrainian club.
While these numbers reflect a solid contribution, the striker has yet to fully realise the potential that marked him out as a promising talent in his earlier years.
The prospect of a move to Royal Antwerp offers Traoré an opportunity to revive his form in a competitive European league.
For the Belgian side, who are aiming to strengthen their squad ahead of another domestic and European campaign, the addition of an international striker with top-level experience could prove valuable.
Traoré is currently under contract until the summer of 2026 and earns an annual salary of €234,000. While the financial demands of the transfer may be a sticking point, Royal Antwerp’s continued pursuit indicates a belief that a deal is still possible.
The coming weeks are expected to be crucial as negotiations unfold and both clubs weigh their options.
For Traoré, this summer may mark a pivotal moment in his career — a chance to restart in a new environment where he can assume a more central role. Whether Antwerp can match Shakhtar’s valuation remains to be seen, but the Belgian side’s determination suggests they view him as a key target.
As talks progress, attention will be focused on whether the two clubs can find common ground and allow Traoré to begin the next chapter of his professional journey in Belgium.
