Saliou Thioune: Italy-Senegal forward joins amrun Spartans on free transfer from ML Vitebsk

Italy-Senegal centre-forward Saliou Thioune has joined Maltese club amrun Spartans on a free transfer from Belarusian side ML Vitebsk.

The 22-year-old makes the move to the Premier League Opening Round after leaving Vysheyshaya Liga outfit ML Vitebsk, where he had been playing in the Belarusian top flight. The deal sees him switch clubs without a transfer fee, giving amrun added attacking depth without a significant financial outlay.

Thioune, who is eligible to represent both Italy and Senegal, is primarily a central striker and arrives in Malta with a listed market value of 175,000 at the time of the move. His profile fits the clubs strategy of bringing in younger players with experience of top-division football in other European leagues.

The forwards spell at ML Vitebsk gave him exposure to senior competition in Belarus, and the move to amrun Spartans marks his first step into Maltese football. It also represents a shift from the Vysheyshaya Liga to a different style of competition in the Premier League Opening Round.

Thioune will now link up with his new team-mates as amrun Spartans prepare for the upcoming phase of their domestic campaign, with the transfer completed on 12 July 2026 as a free transfer from ML Vitebsk.