Jibril Othman: Tunisia-born forward joins Aviron Bayonnais on free transfer

Tunisia-born centre-forward Jibril Othman has joined Aviron Bayonnais on a free transfer from Saint-Etienne B. The 22-year-old switches to the National 1 Group B side after leaving the reserve team of the historic Ligue 1 club.

Othman, who also holds French nationality and was born in Saint-Etienne, signs on the back of steady progress through the ranks at his hometown side. Having moved from Saint-Etienne’s U19s to the B team in 2022, he gained experience across France’s lower divisions and in Belgium before this latest step in his career.

The forward, who stands at 1.83m, has operated primarily through the middle of the attack and built a solid goal record at youth and reserve level. Across domestic youth and lower-league campaigns, he has recorded multiple double-figure scoring seasons, including 20 goals in 30 matches in the French National U19 Group D and 13 goals in 37 appearances in National 3 Group K.

Othman also arrives at Aviron Bayonnais with senior minutes already behind him in the professional game. He has featured in Ligue 1, Ligue 2 and the Challenger Pro League, as well as appearing in the Coupe de France, adding top-level and cup experience to his profile despite his age.

After a short loan spell with Belgian side Francs Borains in the 2024-25 season, Othman returned to Saint-Etienne B before opting for a new challenge in the French third tier. His move to Aviron Bayonnais is confirmed as a permanent free transfer.