Ihlas Bebou: Togo forward linked with Sampdoria move after Hoffenheim exit

Togo and Germany forward Ihlas Bebou, currently without a club after leaving Hoffenheim, is being linked with a move to Serie B side Sampdoria.

The 32-year-old centre-forward became a free agent on 1 July 2026, having departed Hoffenheim at the end of last season, and is now being considered by the Genoa-based club as they look to strengthen their attack for the new campaign in Italys second tier. A deal would not require a transfer fee, with Bebou available on a free and valued at around 600,000.

Bebou spent seven years in the Bundesliga with Hannover 96 and Hoffenheim, joining the latter in 2019 for 9m after impressing in Germanys top flight. Before moving to Hannover in 2017, he was part of the Fortuna Dusseldorf side that won promotion as German second-tier champions in the 2017-18 season.

Born in Aledjo Kadara, the right-footed forward, who stands at 1.85m, holds both Togolese and German nationality and is primarily used through the middle in attack. His mix of experience in German football and free-agent status has made him an accessible option for clubs seeking depth in the final third.

Sampdoria, preparing for another season in Serie B, are understood to be exploring forward options as part of a wider rebuild. Bebous track record in Germany and his availability outside of the transfer fee market have brought him into consideration.

For now, Bebou remains unattached as he weighs up his next move following the end of his contract at Hoffenheim at the start of July.