Senegalese footballer Aliou Badji has taken the next step in his career by officially joining Turkey’s Gaziantep FK on loan, without a purchase option, as confirmed by L’Équipe. The announcement of the transfer marks the commencement of an exciting chapter for the talented striker.
Aliou Badji’s journey sees him returning to Turkish football, this time donning the Gaziantep FK colors in the Spor Toto Süper Lig.
The move signifies a homecoming of sorts for Badji, who previously left an impression in Turkey while representing Ankaragücü during the 2020-2021 season, where he amassed 13 appearances and netted 3 goals.
The loan arrangement presents an opportunity for Badji to reignite his playing career, having seen limited action with Bordeaux in Ligue 2, where he made just six starts in twelve matches.
Born on October 10, 1997, in Ziguinchor, Senegal, Badji’s footballing journey commenced at Casa Sports before he ventured into European football at the age of 19.
His tenure in Sweden with Djurgårdens, where he featured in 54 matches, scoring 15 goals and contributing 4 assists, culminated in a triumph at the Swedish Cup in 2018.
Subsequently, he transitioned to Austria to ply his trade for Rapid Vienna before joining Al Ahly in Egypt, a club synonymous with African football excellence.
At Al Ahly, Badji was part of a historic treble-winning season in 2020, clinching the league title, domestic cup, and the prestigious CAF Champions League.
His arrival at Bordeaux in August 2022 marked a new chapter, where over a season and a half, he featured in 47 official matches for the club, contributing 5 goals and 4 assists to the Scapular jersey.
Now, with Gaziantep FK, Aliou Badji looks forward to making a significant impact in the Turkish football landscape, aiming to add to his impressive repertoire of achievements across different leagues and continents.
MERCATO ✈️
Le Club confirme le départ d’Aliou Badji à @GaziantepFK 🇹🇷
Notre attaquant est prêté jusqu’à la fin de la saison sans option d’achat. Nous lui souhaitons le meilleur dans cette nouvelle expérience.
➡️ https://t.co/UROd3paj66 pic.twitter.com/0QuoAKAc25
— FC Girondins de Bordeaux (@girondins) January 31, 2024