Etoile du Sahel move to tie down Ivorian midfielder Cedric Gbo amid interests

Tunisian club Étoile Sportive du Sahel have opened talks with Ivorian midfielder Cedric Gbo over a contract renewal, in a move aimed at fending off growing transfer interest ahead of the summer window.

Africasoccer.com understands discussions are already underway to extend the 23-year-old’s stay at the “Jewel of the Coast,” with early signs suggesting a positive direction.

His current contract is set to expire next summer, making him a prime target for potential suitors across North Africa and Europe.

Cedric Gbo has recently been linked with a possible switch to Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly SC, with reports suggesting he is being considered as a long-term replacement for Malian midfielder Aliou Dieng, who is reportedly edging closer to a move to Spanish side Valencia CF.

However, the Ivorian midfielder has now moved to calm speculation, revealing that he has not received any official approach from Al Ahly’s management, despite growing media rumours around his future.

Gbo has already given initial approval to extend his stay at Étoile Sportive du Sahel, with both parties showing mutual interest in continuing the relationship. The club, meanwhile, is keen to secure his services long-term, viewing him as an important piece in their midfield structure.

The same source noted that while renewal talks are advancing, the club could still consider a sale in the future—provided any potential offer is financially strong and beneficial to the team.

Gbo is no stranger to Tunisian football. Before joining Étoile du Sahel, he previously featured for arch-rivals Espérance Sportive de Tunis, before later moving to Future of Soliman on a free transfer in 2024.

His return to top-level Tunisian football with Étoile du Sahel has seen him steadily rebuild his reputation, combining experience with growing tactical maturity in midfield roles.

So far in the 2025–2026 campaign, Cedric Gbo has made 13 appearances across all competitions. While he has not been prolific in terms of goal contributions, he has registered one assist and has been involved in several key build-up phases for his side, according to data from Transfermarkt.

With contract talks ongoing and transfer rumours swirling, Gbo finds himself at a career crossroads. A renewal would secure stability at Étoile du Sahel, while a strong offer—particularly from clubs like Al Ahly—could still tempt both player and club into a summer deal.

For now, though, the message from Tunisia is clear: Étoile du Sahel want to keep their midfield engine, and they are moving quickly to make it happen before Europe or Africa’s elite come calling.