Aristide Bancé, the experienced Burkinabè striker, has officially left HJK Helsinki just six months after joining the Finnish club. Unable to reach an agreement on a contract extension, Bancé has opted for a new adventure in Kazakhstan, signing a two-year deal with Irtysh Pavlodar.
Transfer Summary:
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Departing Club: HJK Helsinki (Finland)
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New Club: Irtysh Pavlodar (Kazakhstan)
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Contract Length: 2 years
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Status: Free transfer (contract expired at HJK)
Player Background:
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Position: Striker
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Nationality: Burkina Faso
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Previous Clubs: Augsburg (Germany), Lokomotiv Moscow, Al-Ahli (UAE), and others
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Known For: Physical presence, aerial strength, and key contributions to the Burkina Faso national team
About Irtysh Pavlodar:
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Kazakh Premier League club
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5-time national champions (last title in 2003)
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1 Kazakhstan Cup title (1998)
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Looking to rebuild and challenge again for domestic success
Transfer Notes:
Before sealing the move to Irtysh Pavlodar, Bancé was reportedly in talks with clubs from Saudi Arabia, but ultimately chose Kazakhstan — likely for both sporting and financial reasons.
Let me know if you want Bancé’s career stats, his impact on HJK, or a list of other Burkinabè players abroad.
