Guinean Teenager Ibrahima Conté Set to Join Lorient in January
By BBC Sport Africa
Guinean defender Ibrahima Sory Conté is set to begin his professional career in France after securing a move to Ligue 1 side FC Lorient. The 18-year-old, who impressed during a recent trial with the club, will officially sign a two-year contract in the upcoming winter transfer window.
The deal marks a significant step forward for the young centre-back, affectionately known as “Song”, following a failed contract negotiation with Toulouse earlier this year.
Conté, who has spent the past five years playing in Guinea’s domestic league with CI Kamsar and more recently with Satellite FC, is expected to remain in France until the registration window reopens in January 2014. He will complete the move once the transfer window allows, according to Satellite FC officials.
“This is a great opportunity for him,” said a spokesperson from Satellite FC. “An agreement has been reached with Lorient, and he will sign officially in January when the window opens.”
The deal, first reported by Guinean outlet foot224.com, has not been disclosed in financial terms. However, club officials have confirmed that Conté has completed all necessary steps ahead of the formal signing, including his trial period and medical assessments.
His arrival at Lorient is seen as a promising development for Guinean football, which continues to export young talent to European clubs. Conté’s physical presence and leadership on the pitch have drawn comparisons to Cameroon’s iconic defender Rigobert Song, from whom he draws his nickname.
The move to France represents a dream breakthrough for Conté, who has been on the radar of European scouts in recent months. Despite the setback at Toulouse, the teenager has remained determined to secure a place in European football.
Lorient, currently aiming to strengthen their squad with young talent, see the Guinean as a long-term investment. If all goes as planned, Conté will be eligible to play for the club during the second half of the 2013–14 season.
As the countdown to the January window begins, Guinean fans and Satellite FC alike will be watching closely as one of their brightest young prospects embarks on the next chapter of his career.
