Guinean international Morlaye Sylla is poised to leave Arouca FC at the end of the season, with German Bundesliga side Augsburg leading the race for his signature.
The 25-year-old attacking midfielder, who has spent the past three years in Portugal, has reportedly rejected a contract extension from his current club.
Sources indicate that the offer, which would have seen his monthly wages rise from €6,000 to €20,000, failed to sway the player, who now has his sights set on a new challenge in a top-five European league.
According to information obtained by AfricaSoccer, Augsburg has emerged as the most serious contender to secure Sylla’s services.
Talks between the Bundesliga club and the player’s representatives have reportedly advanced significantly, with both sides working towards a potential two-year contract, including an option to extend for an additional season.
“The player’s ambition is clear: to reach the European top five,” said a source close to the negotiations. “After three years in Portugal, it was decided that he should take on a new challenge to continue his development.
The Bundesliga won’t be a step down for Morlaye — it’s one of his dream leagues. I can confirm that.”
Despite Arouca’s efforts to retain the playmaker, Sylla appears resolute in his desire to move on. His current contract with the Portuguese side runs until June 2025, but recent indications suggest he is unlikely to see it through.
The Guinean has made 27 appearances in the Liga Portugal this season, contributing two goals, and is currently valued at €2.5 million by Transfermarkt.
Sylla, a product of Guinea’s SOAR Academy, has long been considered one of the nation’s brightest footballing talents.
His performances have not gone unnoticed, with several European clubs expressing interest in recent months.
However, Augsburg appears to have taken the most concrete steps towards landing the midfielder.
The move would mark a significant leap for Sylla, who is seeking a platform to showcase his abilities at a higher level.
With the Bundesliga renowned for its emphasis on high-tempo attacking football, the league’s style could suit the Guinean’s flair and vision in the final third.
Sources close to the negotiations suggest an agreement could be finalised before the conclusion of the current campaign.
For Sylla, the potential move would be the culmination of years of steady progress, first rising through the ranks in Guinea before making his mark in Portugal.
The midfielder’s camp has also confirmed they’ve received multiple inquiries in recent weeks, but Augsburg remains the most determined to secure a deal.
As the season nears its conclusion, all eyes will be on how swiftly the talks progress. For now, what seems certain is that Morlaye Sylla’s time in Portugal is nearing its end — and the Bundesliga may well be his next destination.
