Aboubakar Bakayoko: Piacenza sign experienced Ivorian-Italian centre-back on free transfer

Piacenza have signed Ivorian-Italian defender Aboubakar Bakayoko on a free transfer from Desenzano. The 33-year-old centre-back, who was born in Brescia and stands at 1.88m, joins the Serie D side after leaving the Serie C club at the end of last season.

Bakayoko, a left-footed central defender, arrives with extensive experience across the Italian lower leagues. Over the course of his senior career he has amassed more than 300 competitive appearances, including significant spells in both Serie C and Serie D. He has featured regularly in league, cup and play-off fixtures, underlining his durability and consistency at this level.

Most recently with Desenzano, Bakayoko had rejoined the club in 2025 after a previous stint there in 2023-24, moving back and forth with Ospitaletto on successive free transfers. Before that, he represented Vis Pesaro and Pontedera in Serie C, having earlier established himself at Pergolettese following a move from Darfo Boario. His senior path began after leaving Brescias youth ranks for Travagliato in 2011.

Bakayokos current market value is listed at around 100,000, reflecting his standing as an experienced option in the heart of defence. Comfortable as a specialist centre-back and with a track record of contributing the occasional goal from the back, he offers Piacenza a seasoned presence for their back line.

The move, completed on 9 July 2026, sees Bakayoko join Piacenza on a permanent free transfer.