Ivorian defender Aboubacar Sylla set to join Olympique Club de Safi after departure from AS Vita Club

Aboubacar Sylla is poised to join Moroccan side Olympique Club de Safi following the expiration of his contract with AS Vita Club in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The 21-year-old Ivorian defender is expected to be officially unveiled by the Botola Pro side in the coming days, as both parties finalise the last administrative steps of the transfer.

Sylla, who spent just one season with AS Vita Club, has chosen to continue his career in Morocco after parting ways with the Kinshasa-based club at the end of the 2024–2025 campaign.

Olympique Club de Safi, who finished seventh in Morocco’s top-flight league last season, have identified defensive reinforcements as a priority for the new campaign.

Sylla’s arrival aligns with the club’s ambition to build a more resilient backline and push for a higher finish in the coming season.

A product of the USC Bassam academy in Côte d’Ivoire, Sylla has already built an impressively diverse CV for a player of his age.

Following his development in his home country, he moved to Tunisia, where he joined AS Soliman, before embarking on a brief stint in Belgium with OH Louvain’s under-23 team.

His most recent spell with AS Vita Club saw him gain valuable experience in the highly competitive Congolese Linafoot and continental competitions.

Sylla’s ability to adapt across different footballing environments has been one of the hallmarks of his early career. Comfortable as a central defender and capable of operating in a full-back role when required, he is known for his composure, timing in challenges, and strong positional awareness.

These attributes have made him a sought-after figure among clubs across North and West Africa.

Olympique Club de Safi’s pursuit of the Ivorian defender appears to be a strategic investment, both for his immediate contributions and his long-term potential.

With Sylla still just 21 years old, the Moroccan club will be hoping to shape him into a key figure in their squad as they look to close the gap with the top teams in Botola Pro.

The move also presents Sylla with a fresh opportunity to showcase his abilities in a league that has grown in competitiveness and visibility across the African continent.

His potential addition comes at a time when Safi are recalibrating their squad to meet higher ambitions domestically.

While the deal has not yet been made official, all indications suggest that only formalities remain. Unless there is an unexpected turn of events, Sylla will soon be donning the colours of his fifth professional club in as many years.

This next step could be crucial for the young defender, who remains on the radar of Ivorian national selectors at the under-23 level.

With consistent performances in Morocco, he may yet accelerate his progress toward full international recognition.

Olympique Club de Safi are expected to finalise and announce the signing shortly, as preparations for the 2025–2026 season intensify.