Standard Liège Unveil Malian Midfielder Sambou Yatabaré
Standard Liège officially presented their latest signing Sambou Yatabaré on Friday, with the 26-year-old Mali international joining the Belgian club from Olympiacos, following a loan spell at Guingamp.
Speaking to the press, Yatabaré described the move as an important step in his career:
“Big clubs come to Belgium to scout players, and the national team here continues to grow. I haven’t played an official match yet this season, but I’ve prepared very well. I’m physically ready—it’s now up to the coach to decide.”
Despite arriving without knowing his new manager, the midfielder is unfazed:
“It’s not a problem. I’ll be treated the same as any other player in the squad.”
Axel Lawarée, Standard’s sporting director, praised Yatabaré’s versatility and physical attributes:
“Sambou is a box-to-box player, capable of playing in nearly every midfield position. His profile is reminiscent of Patrick Vieira—he brings something we needed.”
Lawarée also revealed that Standard had previously targeted Yatabaré in 2011, making this signing a long-awaited addition to the squad.
