Abdul Ouedraogo joins Jong KAA Gent from Palace U21 on free transfer

Ivorian-Burkinabe centre-back Abdul Ouedraogo has joined Belgian side Jong KAA Gent from Palace U21 on a free transfer.

The 20-year-old completed the move on 11 August 2026 and will play in Belgium’s Challenger Pro League. Ouedraogo moves to Jong KAA Gent after most recently being registered with Palace U21, who compete in Premier League 2.

The right-footed defender is listed at 1.89m and operates primarily in central defence. His move provides Jong KAA Gent with a player who has experience of football in both England’s academy competition and the Belgian league system.

Ouedraogo was part of SK Beveren’s Belgian Second League-winning campaign during the 2025-26 season. That achievement came before his move from Palace U21 to Jong KAA Gent, giving the defender a league title to his record at the age of 20.

Born on 28 November 2005, Ouedraogo holds Ivorian and Burkinabe nationality. He now joins a Jong KAA Gent side competing in Belgium’s second tier, with the club’s league programme providing the next stage of his career.

His arrival continues the defender’s movement between youth and senior-level football. Palace U21 compete in Premier League 2, while Jong KAA Gent operate in the Challenger Pro League, placing Ouedraogo in a different competitive structure following his switch to Belgium.

Ouedraogo’s market value is listed at €200,000, although no transfer fee was paid for his move. The deal was completed without a fee, and no contract expiry date has been announced.

The defender has therefore exchanged Palace U21 for Jong KAA Gent, with his free transfer finalised on 11 August 2026.