Gaziantep FK sign Ivory Coast defender Abakar Sylla from Strasbourg

Ivorian centre-back Abakar Sylla has joined Gaziantep FK from Strasbourg, switching from France’s Ligue 1 to the Turkish Super Lig on a deal running until 30 June 2028.

The 23-year-old defender completed the move on 4 September and becomes a Gaziantep player after returning to Strasbourg from a loan spell with FC Nantes. Sylla made two appearances for Nantes during the 2025-26 season before returning to his parent club at the end of June.

Sylla began the current campaign with Strasbourg but did not feature in the club’s opening two possible Ligue 1 matches before completing his move to Turkey. He leaves the French side after three years, having originally joined from Belgian club Club Brugge in July 2023.

Strasbourg signed Sylla from Club Brugge for €20m, following his progression through Club NXT, the Belgian club’s development side. He had moved to Club NXT from Ivorian club SO Armee in September 2021.

Born in Daloa, Sylla stands 1.88m tall and is naturally left-footed. His primary position is centre-back, providing Gaziantep with a defender who can operate on the left side of the central defensive line.

The move takes Sylla into a new league after his recent experience in Ligue 1 and a short spell with Nantes. His previous senior career has included time in Belgium and France, while Gaziantep becomes his latest club in a career that began in Ivory Coast.

Sylla’s contract with Gaziantep runs through the end of June 2028, formally completing his transfer from Strasbourg on 4 September.