Olivier Mendy makes Ligue 1 switch with AJEL Rufisque after Sonacos exit

Senegal winger Olivier Mendy has swapped Ligue 2 for Ligue 1, joining AJEL Rufisque on a free transfer from Sonacos.

The 19-year-old completed the move on 4 September 2026, beginning a new chapter with the Rufisque-based club after leaving Sonacos. Mendy is a left winger and prefers his right foot, offering AJEL a wide attacking option for the new campaign.

Mendy arrives having already gained experience in Senegal’s top flight. He has made nine Ligue 1 appearances, playing 593 minutes, although no goals or assists are recorded in his career statistics.

His move takes him from Sonacos, who compete in Ligue 2, to AJEL Rufisque in Ligue 1. The change therefore places Mendy in Senegal’s highest division after his progression through Sonacos’ youth structure.

He joined Sonacos’ senior side from Sonacos U20 in July 2025, having previously moved up from Sonacos U17 to the under-20 team in July 2024. That pathway provided the foundation for his rise into senior football before his latest transfer.

Born in Ziguinchor on 27 May 2007, Mendy stands at 1.80m and is listed exclusively as a left winger. His nationality is Senegalese, and he remains eligible to represent his country at international level.

AJEL Rufisque now represents the latest step in his club career, with the teenager moving into a Ligue 1 squad at a pivotal stage of his development. His recorded market value is €25,000, while his highest recorded value has been €75,000.

Mendy’s arrival also adds a player familiar with the demands of Senegalese senior football, having progressed from youth football at Sonacos before making appearances in the top division. He leaves his former club after one season with the senior team and joins AJEL without a transfer fee.

The deal was completed on 4 September, with Mendy now an AJEL Rufisque player for the 2026-27 season.