Galatasaray has tabled an opening bid of €3 million for Abdoul Karim Traoré, the rising Malian star currently impressing in the UAE Pro League with Al Ain FC.
The 20-year-old midfielder, who has earned the nickname “Traoré 3 lungs” for his relentless energy and work rate, has emerged as a hot prospect in the European transfer market following a standout season.
His dynamic performances in the heart of midfield have placed him firmly on the radar of multiple clubs ahead of the summer window.
Galatasaray have intensified their discussions with Al Ain, aiming to secure Traoré’s signature in the coming months.
While the Turkish giants are the first to submit an official offer, they face competition from both Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal and Premier League side Aston Villa, who have also expressed serious interest.
Villa scouts reportedly identified Traoré’s potential during a friendly match in March, where his commanding presence and stamina caught the eye.
Al Ain are believed to value the young international at approximately €5 million, a figure reflective of his influence and consistency throughout the season.
This campaign, Traoré has featured in 30 matches across all competitions, registering one goal and two assists.
His tireless displays have not gone unnoticed, with observers frequently drawing comparisons to France’s N’Golo Kanté for his ball-winning ability and tactical intelligence.
Beyond his club duties, Traoré was instrumental in Al Ain’s triumphant run in the 2024 AFC Champions League.
That success only served to heighten interest from European clubs, with French outfit AS Saint-Étienne and Spain’s CD Leganés also reportedly monitoring the midfielder during the previous winter transfer window.
Described as hardworking and modest, Traoré’s rapid development has turned him into one of the most sought-after young talents emerging from African football.
Galatasaray, currently preparing for their upcoming Turkish Super Lig fixture against Bodrum, are pushing hard to beat rivals to his signature as they look to bolster their midfield for the future.
Potential follow-ups: (A) Rewrite a similar article about Aston Villa’s interest in Traoré.
(B) Turn this report into a short social media post with a catchy tone.
(C) Create a scout report profile on Abdoul Karim Traoré.
