Salifou Soumah has completed a transfer to Swedish champions Malmö FF following a breakout campaign in Azerbaijan with Zira FK.
The 21-year-old Guinean winger joins the Allsvenskan side on a four-and-a-half-year contract, marking a major step forward in his career after a highly productive season.
Soumah, who arrived at Zira FK from Le Havre in the summer of 2023 with little fanfare, quickly established himself as one of the most exciting attacking talents in the Azerbaijani top flight.
Over the course of the 2024–25 season, he registered 12 goals and seven assists in 34 league appearances, playing a pivotal role in Zira’s attacking setup.
His consistent performances did not go unnoticed, drawing interest from multiple clubs across Europe, including sides in France’s Ligue 1.
However, it was Malmö—currently competing in the Champions League play-offs—who moved decisively to secure his signature. According to sources close to the deal, the transfer fee is believed to exceed €1 million, with Zira FK also negotiating a sell-on clause as part of the agreement.
Malmö, renowned for identifying and developing emerging talent, see Soumah as a key addition to their squad as they aim to strengthen both domestically and in European competition.
The club’s ability to outmanoeuvre interest from higher-profile leagues further highlights their growing pull in the transfer market.
The move represents a significant milestone for Soumah, whose journey from the youth ranks at Le Havre to the Scandinavian champions has been marked by steady progression.
Despite a quiet exit from the French side, his development at Zira FK has been nothing short of impressive.
His blend of pace, technical skill, and vision made him a constant threat in Azerbaijan’s top division, and he now heads to Sweden with confidence and momentum.
For Malmö, the signing of Soumah fits their model of recruiting young, high-upside players who can contribute immediately while also offering long-term value.
With the club involved in European competition, squad depth and versatility will be crucial, and Soumah’s ability to play on either flank provides valuable tactical flexibility.
In a statement following the move, Malmö officials expressed their satisfaction with the deal, describing Soumah as a “dynamic and intelligent player” who brings “energy and creativity” to the side.
Although the club has not officially disclosed the transfer fee, insiders have confirmed that the investment reflects Malmö’s belief in Soumah’s potential to become a key figure at the club.
Zira FK, meanwhile, part ways with a player who was central to their attacking threat throughout the season.
The transfer represents a strong piece of business for the Azerbaijani club, who stand to benefit further from any future sale thanks to the negotiated resale clause.
As Salifou Soumah begins his new chapter in Sweden, expectations will naturally rise. However, his performances over the past year suggest he is well-prepared to meet the challenge and continue his upward trajectory on the European stage.
