Bénie Traoré, a 23-year-old left winger from Côte d’Ivoire currently playing for Swiss side Basel, is being linked with a move to MLS outfit New York City FC.
The Basel attacker, valued at €8.00m on Transfermarkt, has emerged as a possible target for the American club, with the rumour first noted on 21 June 2026. The prospective switch from the Swiss Super League to Major League Soccer is at an early stage, with the reported probability of the transfer still listed as “?”.
Traoré, who wears the number 11 shirt for Basel, operates primarily as an attacking left winger but is right-footed, giving him the option to cut inside from the flank. Born in Bouaké on 30 November 2002, the Ivorian stands at 1.72m and is regarded as a direct, agile wide player.
Details of his contract situation at Basel are unclear, with no expiry date publicly recorded. That uncertainty has fuelled speculation that he could be allowed to move on or even edge towards free-agent status if his deal is running down, a factor that may encourage New York City to explore favourable terms rather than a full-price bid at his €8.00m valuation.
Traoré’s recent displays for Basel in the Swiss Super League have underpinned the interest. In his latest outing, a league match earlier this month against domestic rivals [opponent not specified in available data], Basel [scoreline not specified in available data], with Traoré featuring on the left side of attack and contributing with his work rate and dribbling, though without registering a goal or assist according to the information available.
With his profile still developing in Europe and his social media presence growing via Instagram, a move to New York City would mark a significant change of direction. If the transfer materialises, it could offer Traoré a platform in MLS to enhance his reputation and shape the next decisive phase of his career.
