Mohamed Bayo is set to leave Lille on loan once again, with Turkish Super Lig side Gaziantep FK poised to secure the Guinean international’s services.
The move underlines Lille’s continued effort to streamline their squad, with the 27-year-old striker no longer part of manager Paulo Fonseca’s long-term plans.
Bayo’s career at Lille has struggled to take off since his 2022 transfer from Clermont Foot, where his prolific goal scoring made him one of Ligue 1’s most promising forwards.
Expectations were high when he arrived in northern France, but he has since found himself on the fringes of the squad.
After limited opportunities at Lille, the forward was shipped out on loan spells in consecutive seasons — first to Le Havre in Ligue 1 and later to Belgian side Royal Antwerp.
However, neither move reignited the form that once made him one of the most sought-after attackers in French football. His time at both clubs was marked by flashes of promise but no sustained run of impact.
The impending switch to Gaziantep FK now offers Bayo another chance to reset his career. The Turkish club, currently seeking additional attacking options, view the forward as a potential solution to their lack of firepower.
For Bayo, the loan represents an opportunity to secure regular playing time, rebuild his confidence, and perhaps re-establish himself as a contender for Guinea’s national team.
Although the move is expected to be a temporary arrangement, sources suggest that it could pave the way for a more permanent departure in the future.
Should Bayo impress during his spell in Türkiye, Gaziantep may explore the possibility of negotiating a long-term deal in 2026.
At 27, the striker is approaching what is often considered the prime years of a footballer’s career. His challenge now lies in proving that he can consistently deliver goals and performances at the highest level.
For Lille, the decision to allow another loan reflects both their current attacking depth and their reluctance to invest further trust in a player who has not managed to adapt to the club’s style.
Bayo’s international ambitions also remain a motivating factor. Once a regular figure for Guinea, his reduced role at club level has impacted his presence with the Syli National.
A revival in form at Gaziantep could strengthen his case for a permanent return to international duty, especially as Guinea looks to build competitive squads for upcoming continental tournaments.
The move to the Turkish Super Lig could also serve as a valuable learning experience, introducing Bayo to a new footballing culture and style of play.
Gaziantep, a team eager to climb the league table, will expect him to make an immediate contribution. For the striker, it is a final chance to silence doubts and prove that his potential has not been wasted.
As Lille continue to reshape their squad, Bayo’s departure closes another chapter in his unsettled tenure with the club. Whether his journey in Türkiye becomes the turning point in his career remains to be seen, but the forward knows that the coming season may be decisive for his future both at club and international level.
