African transfer latest: Lorient hand first pro deal to Samb as Kouassi signs for Al Sadd and Konan lines up Saudi move

French-born Senegalese forward Maguette Samb has left Thonon Evian Grand Geneve FC to sign his first professional contract with FC Lorient, headlining a busy round of transfer activity involving African players.

Thonon Evian Grand Geneve FC confirmed on Instagram that the 23-year-old attacker has joined Lorient after a season and a half with the French club. Samb, who holds both French and Senegalese nationality, will initially link up with Lorient’s reserve side as he begins his professional career with the Ligue 1 outfit, known as Les Merlus.

Lorient have not disclosed the length of his contract, but the move marks a significant step up for Samb after his spell in the French lower leagues. His departure ends an 18‐month stay at Thonon Evian Grand Geneve FC, during which he did enough to convince Lorient to bring him into their set-up.

Kouassi completes Al Sadd switch before Umm Salal loan

In Qatar, Ivorian central midfielder Odilon Kouassi has signed a three-year deal with Al Sadd from AC Horsens, according to Ivorian outlet L’Intello du Foot Ivoirien.

The 23-year-old, whose full name is Kouassi Odilon Bryan Me Atowoula, leaves the Danish club to join one of Qatar’s leading sides. However, he is not expected to feature for Al Sadd in the 2026‐27 campaign.

The same source reports that Al Sadd plan to send Kouassi on loan to Umm Salal for the upcoming season. The move is believed to be designed to give him regular first-team football in the Qatar Stars League before he returns to compete for a place at Al Sadd. His market value is estimated at €50,000.

Konan set for Neom SC move

Another Ivorian, left-back Ghislain Konan, is close to joining Neom SC in Saudi Arabia, again according to L’Intello du Foot Ivoirien.

Negotiations are described as being in progress, with the transfer formalities still to be completed. Barring any late change of direction, the 30-year-old is expected to continue his career in Saudi Arabia.

Konan has been without a club since 1 July, when his contract with Portuguese side Gil Vicente expired. The defender, who has previously played in Europe and the Middle East, is valued at €3m on Transfermarkt, underlining his status as an experienced option for Neom SC as they strengthen their squad.

Ouotro signs long-term deal at Vitoria Guimaraes SC

In Portugal, Vitoria Guimaraes SC have announced the signing of Ivorian forward Patrick Ouotro from AS Nancy-Lorraine.

The 20-year-old has agreed a contract running until 30 June 2030, the club revealed on Instagram. Ouotro arrives from the French side as a long-term prospect for Vitoria Guimaraes SC, who have invested in his potential with a six-year deal.

His market value is currently estimated at €300,000, and the Portuguese club will hope he can develop into a key attacking option over the duration of his contract.