Ntji Tounkara: Spain-Mali midfielder joins Ponferradina on free transfer

Spain-Mali midfielder Ntji Tounkara has joined Ponferradina on a free transfer from Cordoba CF B, signing a contract until 30 June 2028. The 21-year-old central midfielder moves into the Primera Federacion Group I after impressing in Spain’s lower divisions.

Tounkara arrives in Ponferrada with senior experience already behind him despite his age. Last season he featured in the Primera Federacion Group II, making 30 league appearances and contributing one goal and one assist. He also had a brief taste of Segunda Division football, playing in two LaLiga2 matches and adding 16 minutes at that level.

Born on 10 January 2005 and standing at 1.78m, Tounkara is primarily a central midfielder and has been developing within Spanish football since his youth career. Before his spell with Cordoba CF B, he came through the ranks at Alaves, progressing from their youth side into Alaves C. His early development also included time at SD Huesca’s youth set-up.

His move to Ponferradina marks another step up after a period that featured loan spells to gain competitive minutes. During the 2025-26 season he was loaned from Cordoba CF B to Atletico Sanluqueno and later to AD Alcorcon, before returning to Cordoba and now securing a long-term deal in Leon province.

Tounkara’s transfer is a permanent free move, with Ponferradina securing the midfielder on a two-year contract running through to the end of the 2027-28 campaign.