Feyenoord have finalised a deal with Istanbulspor for the transfer of Malian winger Gaoussou Diarra, marking a significant step in the 22-year-old’s rapid rise in European football.
The Dutch giants agreed terms with the Turkish club over the weekend and Diarra has signed a multi-year contract with Feyenoord.
He is expected to travel to Rotterdam shortly to undergo a medical examination before the move is officially completed. Finalisation of the transfer will also depend on the approval of his work permit.
Diarra’s journey to this point has been nothing short of extraordinary. Just one year ago, the Bamako-born forward had yet to make a single professional appearance.
It was Istanbulspor who took the gamble on the then-21-year-old, offering him his first professional contract in the summer of 2024.
That gamble quickly paid off. Diarra adapted seamlessly to life in the Turkish second division, delivering an eye-catching debut season that saw him score 15 goals and provide two assists across 33 league appearances.
His speed, flair, and direct attacking style made him one of the standout performers of the season, attracting interest from clubs across Europe.
Naturally right-footed and most often deployed on the left wing, Diarra has also shown versatility by performing effectively on the right flank when called upon.
His attacking instincts, coupled with his ability to cut inside and create chances, have made him a constant threat in the final third.
Feyenoord’s interest in Diarra underlines the club’s commitment to identifying and investing in emerging talent.
Under the leadership of newly appointed manager Robin van Persie, the Rotterdam-based side is looking to build on recent domestic success while preparing for the challenges of European competition.
Diarra’s addition adds pace, depth, and an element of unpredictability to the team’s forward line.
While the deal is now in place, Diarra’s official involvement with the squad remains subject to visa and work permit approvals.
Nevertheless, club officials remain confident that the formalities will be resolved swiftly, allowing the Malian to join his new teammates ahead of the upcoming campaign.
The move to Feyenoord marks a significant milestone in Diarra’s fledgling career, offering him a platform to further his development at one of the Netherlands’ most storied football institutions.
The transition from Türkiye’s second tier to the Eredivisie represents a notable leap in competition, but Diarra’s breakthrough season has suggested that he possesses the resilience and skill required to make that step.
Feyenoord supporters will be eager to see how the Malian international fits into Van Persie’s plans as the club continues to reshape its squad ahead of the 2025–26 season.
If Diarra’s trajectory continues on its current path, he could soon become a key figure in Dutch football.
For now, the focus shifts to his arrival in Rotterdam and the completion of the final formalities. But there is little doubt: Gaoussou Diarra’s story is just beginning, and Feyenoord appear to have secured one of the continent’s rising young talents.
