Senegal goalkeeper Mamour Ndiaye’s move to Saint-Étienne in doubt

Saint-Étienne’s proposed signing of Senegal goalkeeper Mamour Ndiaye has been thrown into uncertainty after a contractual disagreement emerged despite the transfer appearing close to completion.

The 20-year-old, who had been expected to become the French club’s third signing of the summer transfer window, is now facing an uncertain future as negotiations over personal terms have stalled.

An agreement had reportedly been reached between Saint-Étienne and Norwegian side Sarpsborg 08 for a transfer fee of around €1 million.

Ndiaye had already travelled to Saint-Étienne, where he was seen near the club’s training base at L’Étrat ahead of a scheduled medical examination and the formal completion of the deal.

However, the transfer has since encountered an unexpected obstacle.

According to the latest information, the contractual agreement previously reached between the goalkeeper, his representatives and the club is no longer considered valid.

The disagreement has placed the entire transfer in jeopardy, even though all parties had appeared to be moving towards a successful conclusion.

Despite the setback, the move has not officially collapsed. Negotiations remain ongoing, and there is still a possibility that both sides could reach a fresh agreement before the transfer window progresses further.

Ndiaye had been identified as an important target for Saint-Étienne as the club looks to strengthen its goalkeeping department ahead of the new campaign.

Standing at 1.90 metres, the Senegal goalkeeper has built a reputation for his commanding presence in the penalty area and his strength in aerial situations.

At just 20 years of age, he has already accumulated valuable first-team experience after making 29 appearances in Norway’s top division with Sarpsborg 08.

His profile had attracted significant interest within the club’s recruitment department, which viewed him as a goalkeeper capable of developing over the long term while providing competition within the squad.

Saint-Étienne’s plans included creating greater competition for current first-choice goalkeeper Gautier Larsonneur, while allowing Ndiaye to continue his development in a structured environment.

Should the transfer ultimately fail, the French club would need to reopen its search for a goalkeeper despite having considered the position a priority before the departure of Brice Maubleu.

Although the transfer window remains open until 1 September and alternative options are still available, the timing of the latest development presents an additional challenge.

Pre-season preparations are already under way, with the club’s first friendly match approaching, leaving limited time to pursue another target if discussions with Ndiaye cannot be revived.

For now, the proposed transfer remains unresolved. While there is still hope that the contractual issues can be resolved, the agreement that once appeared close to completion has become increasingly uncertain, leaving Saint-Étienne waiting for a breakthrough before deciding on their next move in the transfer market.