Benie Traore: New York City FC sign Ivory Coast winger from Basel in 8.75m deal

New York City FC have signed Ivory Coast winger Benie Traore from Swiss champions Basel in a permanent transfer worth 8.75m. The 23-year-old left-sided attacker has agreed a contract with the MLS club until 30 June 2030.

Traore arrives in New York after two seasons in Switzerland, where he helped Basel win both the league title and Swiss Cup in the 2024-25 campaign. Operating predominantly as a left winger but favouring his right foot, he made 66 league appearances in the Swiss Super League, scoring 22 goals and providing 11 assists.

Born in Bouake, Traore began his professional career with ASEC Mimosas in his homeland before moving to Swedish side BK Hacken in 2021. His performances in the Allsvenskan, where he scored 15 goals and added five assists in 41 league matches and lifted the Swedish Cup in 2023, earned him a move to England with Sheffield United in 2023.

Traores time with Sheffield United included a loan spell at Nantes in Frances Ligue 1 during the 2023-24 season, before he made a switch to Basel in July 2024. His market value has since risen to 8m on the back of his contributions in Switzerland and in European competition.

The Ivorian, who stands at 1.72m, joins New York City FC as one of the clubs most expensive acquisitions, completing his move from Basel on 13 July 2026.