Coli Saco: Mali-French midfielder leaves Napoli for move to Riga FC

Mali-French midfielder Coli Saco has joined Latvian champions Riga FC from Napoli, ending his time in Serie A with a move to the Virsliga. The 24-year-old central midfielder switches clubs after a series of loan spells away from the Italian side in recent seasons.

Saco, a left-footed midfielder who stands at 1.97m, had been on Napoli’s books since progressing from their youth ranks, but his first-team pathway was defined largely by temporary moves within Europe. He most recently returned to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona this summer following a loan at Casertana, and has now completed a transfer to Riga as he looks to establish himself with a permanent role.

The Creteil-born player spent the 2025-26 campaign split between Napoli and Casertana, having first been sent on loan to Swiss side Yverdon Sport before making a mid-season switch to Italy’s Serie C play-offs. Across that play-off campaign, he featured three times and scored once, underlining his ability to contribute from midfield in decisive matches.

Previously, Saco also had loan spells at Bari, Ancona and Pro Vercelli after moving up from Napoli’s under-19 side in 2022, gaining experience across the Italian lower divisions. Before his time in Italy, he came through youth systems at Le Havre, FC Sochaux and CFF Paris.

Saco, whose market value was most recently assessed at €200,000, now begins the next stage of his career in Latvia after completing his transfer from Napoli to Riga FC on 30 July 2026.