Wilfried Eza: Ivorian striker joins Al-Faisaly from Chelyabinsk on free transfer

Ivorian centre-forward Wilfried Eza has joined Jordanian Pro League club Al-Faisaly from Russian side Chelyabinsk on a free transfer. The 29-year-old completed the move on 23 August 2026 and has signed a contract running until 30 June 2027.

Eza moves to Jordan after one season with Chelyabinsk, whom he joined from Austrian club SV Ried in July 2025, also on a free transfer. His departure brings an end to his time in Russia and begins a new chapter with Al-Faisaly, his latest club in a career spanning several leagues.

The striker previously spent two seasons with SV Ried, joining the Austrian club from Armenian side Ararat-Armenia for €90,000 in August 2023. During his time in Austria, he was part of the SV Ried side that won the Austrian Second League title in the 2024-25 season.

Eza has also played for FC Van, FC Noah and Gomel, with earlier spells at Artsakh Erewan and FC Saxan. He began his senior career in 2016 and has moved between clubs in Armenia, Belarus, Austria and Russia before switching to the Jordanian Pro League.

The Abidjan-born forward stands 1.83m tall and is right-footed. His career record includes 101 appearances and 30 goals in Premier League competition, as well as 45 appearances and 23 goals in the 2. Liga. He has also scored 31 times in 26 First League appearances.

His strongest recorded scoring return came in the First League, where he averaged a goal every 59 minutes. In the 2. Liga, he contributed seven assists alongside his 23 goals, while his Premier League record also includes eight assists.

Eza’s move to Al-Faisaly is the latest free transfer of his career after his switches to Chelyabinsk and Ararat-Armenia. The fee for his move from Chelyabinsk was not disclosed because the transfer was completed without a payment.

The contract places the Ivorian forward at Al-Faisaly until 30 June 2027.