French-Algerian forward Samy Baghdadi has completed his transfer from FC Versailles to Valenciennes FC, following a standout campaign that saw him wear the captain’s armband and lead the National side with consistent attacking performances.
The 27-year-old striker, who arrived at Versailles in 2024 from Dunkerque, was officially unveiled as a Valenciennes player on Wednesday.
Over the course of the season, Baghdadi featured in 31 matches, scoring 13 goals and registering seven assists, playing a pivotal role in Versailles’ attacking setup.
In a statement confirming the deal, Versailles highlighted the player’s “valuable offensive contribution throughout the season” and acknowledged his desire to take a new step in his career.
With only one year remaining on his contract, the club agreed to the transfer while also securing a significant fee in return.
“The club granted his wishes in an exceptional manner, by also recovering a significant transfer fee, allowing them to make the most of the final year of his contract,” read the Versailles statement.
“The management is already working on recruiting his replacement, in order to maintain the same level of excellence and quality in this position.”
Baghdadi, who holds both French and Algerian nationality, now joins a club he has long admired. Speaking in his first statement as a Valenciennes player, the forward expressed enthusiasm for what he described as a “historic club” with ambitions that align with his own.
“I decided to join VAFC because it’s a historic club that I’ve known since I was little,” Baghdadi said. “It’s also a super interesting project with a lot of ambition.
I also have ambitions, so I found myself in this project and I’m very happy to be here. When you look at the infrastructure, the recruitment, the squad… and then, I also spoke to the coach several times on the phone — all of that played a role in my decision.”
Valenciennes view Baghdadi as a key attacking addition, bringing leadership and experience from the lower divisions of French football.
His consistent form and proven ability to influence games in the final third are expected to bolster the club’s forward line as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Baghdadi’s dual heritage has also seen him followed closely in both France and Algeria, and his move to a higher-profile side could further raise his profile on the domestic and international scene.
His leadership at Versailles, where he captained the squad and delivered in critical moments, has added depth to a career that continues to progress steadily.
As Baghdadi prepares for his next challenge, Versailles are now focused on filling the gap left by their captain’s departure. The club confirmed that efforts are already underway to identify a forward capable of matching his influence and maintaining their attacking strength.
The transfer marks a mutually beneficial move—providing Baghdadi with the platform to pursue his ambitions at a higher level, while allowing Versailles to reinvest as they look to build on the momentum of the past season.
