African football news: Maxente Ella joins FC Banik Ostrava as Christophe Kabongo move collapses

At 09:55, EBFA Sports Academy confirmed the departure of Cameroon defender Maxente Emmanuel Junior Ella, who has signed a three-year contract with Czech top-flight club FC Banik Ostrava.

The 20-year-old right-back’s move, previously reported exclusively by Africafoot, was announced on Instagram by the Cameroonian academy.

Ella came through the EBFA Sports Academy system and has also represented Cameroon at Under-20 level. He was part of the Lions U20 side that won the Jeux de la Francophonie.

Kabongo transfer to the United Arab Emirates falls through

At 09:40, details emerged of the failed attempt to transfer Christophe Kabongo to the United Arab Emirates.

According to journalist Rudy Galetti, an Emirati club had made the Democratic Republic of the Congo-born striker a target and was prepared to offer nearly 6 million euros for his services.

However, FC Viktoria Plzen were unwilling to sell the 23-year-old, who remains under contract with the club until 30 June 2028. Kabongo’s market value is estimated at 2.2 million euros.

Schingtienne extends Venezia contract

At 09:25, Venezia FC announced that Belgian central defender Joel Schingtienne had signed a contract extension.

The 24-year-old, who is of Democratic Republic of the Congo origin, has agreed a new deal with the Italian club running until 30 June 2031.

Schingtienne’s market value is estimated at 5 million euros.