Malian striker Mustapha Sangaré in transfer standoff with Levski Sofia over Espérance de Tunis move

Malian international striker Mustapha Sangaré is locked in a dispute with Bulgarian club Levski Sofia after management blocked a transfer offer from Espérance Sportive de Tunis worth €1.5 million.

The 26-year-old forward, who was encouraged to seek an exit earlier in the summer, has responded by refusing to train with the team in an attempt to force the club to reconsider its position.

His decision signals a growing rift between player and management and raises the possibility of a prolonged standoff as the transfer window approaches its final stages.

Sangaré, trained at CO Vincennes before building his career across Europe, has represented a number of clubs, including Varzim in Portugal, Amiens SC in France, FC Borgo, and Racing CFF, before joining Levski Sofia. Despite his varied career path, his current market value is estimated at €1 million — below the offer placed on the table by Espérance.

The Tunisian side remains determined to strengthen its attacking options before the window closes and views Sangaré as an important target. Their persistence could intensify the dispute in Sofia, particularly as the player himself appears resolute in his wish to move. Reports earlier in the summer also linked him with FC Zurich, underlining the level of interest he continues to attract outside Bulgaria.

For Levski Sofia, the situation is complicated by their stance earlier in the season, when the club was open to offloading Sangaré. Having shifted that position now that concrete offers have materialised, the management risks deepening tensions within its own squad. Espérance’s bid, exceeding Sangaré’s market valuation, is being viewed by many as a fair reflection of his potential contribution, yet Sofia’s hierarchy has thus far refused to sanction the sale.

From the player’s perspective, the situation is especially frustrating. After years of working his way through Europe’s lower leagues, the chance to join one of Africa’s most successful clubs represents both a career milestone and a return to the continent where he first made his mark as an international footballer for Mali. His boycott of training, though controversial, underscores the seriousness of his intent.

The next few days are expected to be decisive. With Espérance pushing to finalise their squad for the season and Levski under pressure to maintain unity in their dressing room, the matter could soon reach a critical point. Should neither side budge, Sangaré may find himself frozen out of first-team action, a scenario that would harm both his career momentum and the club’s ability to manage its resources effectively.

Sangaré’s case also highlights a broader trend in modern football, where players increasingly resort to strong measures such as training boycotts to influence transfer negotiations. While such actions often provoke criticism, they reflect the limited options available when contractual obligations clash with personal ambitions.

As things stand, Espérance de Tunis remain firm in their pursuit, while Levski Sofia’s leadership faces a decision that could either resolve the impasse or prolong a damaging dispute. For Sangaré, the desire is clear: a fresh start away from Bulgaria, with Tunisia the preferred destination.

Whether the Bulgarian club relents or resists, the saga underscores the growing complexity of football’s transfer market, where contracts, valuations, and personal aspirations frequently collide — leaving players, clubs, and fans caught in the middle.