Guinean international Morlaye Sylla is nearing a move to Saudi Pro League side Damac FC, following the expiration of his contract with Portuguese outfit Arouca.
The 25-year-old winger, now a free agent, has emerged as a priority signing for Damac’s newly appointed head coach, Armando Evangelista.
The Portuguese tactician, who recently took charge of the Saudi club, is pushing for the acquisition of Sylla—having previously managed him in Portugal and being well acquainted with the player’s strengths and style of play.
Evangelista’s familiarity with Sylla has played a central role in Damac’s pursuit of the talented wide man. During his tenure at Arouca, Sylla earned praise for his explosive pace, vision, and ability to create chances from the left flank.
His flair and dynamism in the final third made him a key figure in Arouca’s attacking unit, and those attributes have not gone unnoticed by his former coach.
The Guinean’s potential arrival in the Saudi Pro League is seen as a strategic move by Damac as they look to reinforce their squad ahead of the new season.
With Evangelista now shaping the club’s tactical direction, Sylla’s inclusion would offer the kind of attacking versatility the manager is keen to implement.
Although the deal is not yet officially confirmed, sources close to the negotiations suggest talks are at an advanced stage.
Damac are reportedly keen to finalize the agreement quickly, aware of Sylla’s growing appeal on the free-agent market and the need to strengthen their attacking options before the league campaign gets underway.
For Sylla, the switch to Saudi Arabia represents a new chapter in his professional career. After making a name for himself in Portugal’s Primeira Liga, a move to the Middle East could provide both a fresh challenge and the opportunity to establish himself in one of Asia’s fastest-growing football leagues.
His technical ability and offensive intelligence are expected to complement Damac’s style of play under Evangelista, who is known for encouraging fluid and aggressive football.
The potential transfer also underlines the growing appeal of the Saudi Pro League to international talent, particularly in the wake of major investments and a rising competitive profile in recent years.
Sylla’s move would follow a trend of African players increasingly being drawn to Saudi clubs in search of new opportunities and competitive football at a high level.
Should the deal be completed, Damac will be banking on Sylla to inject energy and creativity into their attacking line. His familiarity with the coach’s system is likely to ease his transition into the squad and bolster team cohesion from the onset.
As the transfer window progresses, all eyes remain on the club’s official announcement. For now, Sylla’s next destination appears to be edging closer to the Gulf, where expectations will be high for him to replicate and build upon the form he displayed in Europe.
