Genclerbirligi bring in Cheikh Niasse for Super Lig midfield

Senegalese-French midfielder Cheikh Niasse has joined Turkish club Genclerbirligi on loan from Hellas Verona.

The 26-year-old defensive midfielder completed the move on 20 August 2026, switching from an Italian side that competes in Serie B to a Genclerbirligi team in Turkey’s Super Lig. His agreement with the Ankara club runs until 30 June 2027.

Niasse adds experience from five seasons in European football to Genclerbirligi’s midfield. He spent the 2025-26 season with Hellas Verona before making the move to Turkey, having previously played for Swiss club BSC Young Boys and French side LOSC Lille.

His honours include two Swiss league titles with Young Boys, won in the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons. He also helped Young Boys win the Swiss Cup in 2022-23 and collected a French Super Cup winner’s medal with Lille in 2021-22.

Born in Gossas, Niasse stands 1.88m tall and prefers his right foot. His primary role is in defensive midfield, where he is set to provide Genclerbirligi with a physically imposing option in the centre of the pitch.

The move brings Niasse to a club competing in Turkey’s top division after his latest spell in Italy’s second tier. Genclerbirligi will be his fourth senior club, following earlier periods with Lille, Young Boys and Hellas Verona.

Niasse’s transfer takes place with his listed market value standing at €2m, although the deal is a loan move rather than a permanent transfer. His arrival also gives the Turkish club a player with domestic league and cup-winning experience in both France and Switzerland.

He began his senior career with Lille and was part of the squad that won the French Super Cup before moving on to Young Boys. His time in Switzerland produced the most successful run of his career so far, with three major honours secured across two seasons.

Niasse is now registered with Genclerbirligi, where his contract is due to run through June 2027. The Senegalese-French midfielder has completed his loan move from Hellas Verona to the Ankara-based Super Lig club.