Fally Mayulu has completed a permanent move from Bristol City to Portuguese side FC Arouca, sealing a switch that takes the France/DR Congo centre-forward out of the Championship and into Liga Portugal. The 23-year-old joins Arouca on a deal that runs from 2026-02-02 to 2029-06-30, ending his spell in England and confirming his next step in a rapidly upward career.
The transfer, registered as a standard deal, comes with Mayulu currently valued at €2.00m, although the fee between the clubs has not been disclosed. It marks the latest stage in a journey that has taken the 1.93m striker across several European leagues and now places him in a competition renowned for developing and showcasing attacking talent.
Mayulu arrives in Portugal after a spell on the books of Bristol City, during which he also spent time on loan at SK Sturm Graz in Austria before returning to Ashton Gate and then moving on to Arouca. His transfer history underlines a nomadic but steadily progressive path: RC Lens U19 in France, VfL Wolfsburg II in Germany, a stint without a club, then a relaunch at FC Blau-Weiss Linz in Austria, followed by Rapid Vienna, Bristol City, Sturm Graz and back to Bristol City before this latest switch.
That climb has been mirrored by his market value. From €75,000 at Wolfsburg II and during his spell as a free agent, it rose to €200,000, €350,000 and then €600,000 at Blau-Weiss Linz, before breaking the €700,000 mark and then jumping to €2.00m at Rapid Vienna. A subsequent move to Bristol City saw his valuation peak at €3.00m, before stabilising at €2.00m in 2025 with Bristol City and now Arouca.
On the pitch, Mayulu is listed primarily as a centre-forward, operating through the middle in attack and favouring his right foot. His height and profile point towards a physically imposing presence, suited to playing as a focal point in the final third. Having already played in France, Germany, Austria and England, he now adds Portugal to that portfolio, reinforcing his status as a forward comfortable adapting to different styles and demands.
Internationally, Mayulu holds both French and DR Congo nationality, a dual background that gives his move added resonance. For supporters in France and DR Congo, his confirmed transfer to Arouca means another homegrown forward will be showcasing his abilities abroad rather than in domestic competition. For Arouca and Liga Portugal, acquiring a 23-year-old with this breadth of experience offers both sporting potential and possible resale value if his market value rises again.
Bristol City, meanwhile, lose a forward whose trajectory had once seen his valuation climb sharply during his time at Rapid Vienna and early months in England. For Arouca, it is an opportunity: if Mayulu continues the upward curve that took him from youth football at Lens to senior roles in several European leagues, this contract period in Portugal could become the defining chapter of his career, shaping his reputation and opening further doors on the continental stage.
