Guinean international Yakhouba Gnagna Barry’s move to Algerian club ES Sétif has collapsed after medical tests revealed an injury the club deemed too serious to proceed.
The 27-year-old striker, who had been on the verge of signing with the North African side, underwent extensive examinations on Wednesday evening.
Following the results, ES Sétif’s management immediately suspended negotiations, leaving Barry without a confirmed club ahead of the new season.
This is not the first time Barry’s efforts to move abroad have been thwarted. Previous transfer attempts to JS Kabylie in Algeria, Quevilly Rouen Métropole in France, and a missed opportunity in South Africa all ended in disappointment, raising concerns over his durability and consistency at the professional level.
Barry will now return to his home club, Horoya AC in Conakry, to resume training.
Despite his proven goal-scoring ability, questions remain about his physical condition and whether he can sustain a career outside Guinea.
Analysts suggest that unless he demonstrates full fitness, options for a stable career abroad may continue to be limited.
The Guinean striker’s repeated setbacks highlight the precarious nature of football transfers, where medical evaluations and contractual negotiations can make or break a move, regardless of a player’s talent or reputation.
For Barry, the challenge now is to restore his physical form and rebuild his profile in order to reignite interest from clubs overseas.
