Ivorian midfielder Lazare Amani attracts interest from Turkish and Portuguese clubs amid uncertain future at Union Saint-Gilloise

Jean Lazare Amani looks set to depart Union Saint-Gilloise, with the Ivorian midfielder no longer featuring in the plans of head coach Sébastien Pocognoli.

The 27-year-old’s future appears increasingly distant from the Belgian Pro League, as interest grows from clubs in Turkey and Portugal during the summer transfer window.

After being sidelined by the current coaching staff, Amani is actively exploring options to revive his career.

Despite remaining under contract with Union SG until June 2027, the club seems open to letting the midfielder leave, particularly as he is not expected to play a central role in the upcoming season.

Two Turkish sides—Kasimpasa and Kocaelispor—have shown concrete interest in securing Amani’s services. Both clubs have reportedly initiated contact with the player’s representatives and are keen to bring the Ivorian international into their midfield ranks.

Discussions are believed to be at a preliminary stage but are expected to progress rapidly as all parties seek clarity before the close of the transfer window.

In addition to interest from Turkey, Portuguese club Estoril—where Amani previously played—is considering a move to re-sign the player.

Sources close to the situation suggest Estoril are keen to offer him a more prominent role this time around, viewing his experience and technical ability as valuable assets in bolstering their midfield options.

Amani spent the 2023–24 season on loan at Standard Liège, making 18 appearances in all competitions. During that spell, he found the net twice and contributed one assist.

However, Standard opted not to activate the €2.5 million purchase clause at the end of the loan, leaving the midfielder to return to Union SG without a clear path forward.

The Abidjan-born player is believed to be eager for regular first-team football and a fresh environment where he can re-establish himself.

His situation at Union Saint-Gilloise has grown increasingly untenable, with limited playing opportunities under Pocognoli making a transfer not only likely but necessary for his career trajectory.

Financially, Amani currently earns an estimated annual salary of €301,600 (approximately 196 million FCFA), which translates to roughly €5,800 per month.

This wage structure is considered manageable for the clubs currently in pursuit, further facilitating the possibility of a move before the window closes.

As negotiations continue behind the scenes, the next few days are expected to be pivotal in determining Amani’s next destination.

All three interested clubs—Kasimpasa, Kocaelispor, and Estoril—are pressing ahead in an effort to finalise discussions and secure the midfielder’s signature.

For Amani, the coming transfer represents more than just a change of club—it offers a vital opportunity to restart a promising career that has, in recent months, lost momentum.

With his skill set, international experience, and proven ability in European leagues, the Ivorian will be looking to make an immediate impact wherever he lands.