Joseph Paintsil has been linked with a return to Turkish football, with LA Galaxy’s Ghanaian winger reportedly attracting interest from Süper Lig side Trabzonspor.
The 28-year-old, currently valued at €6.00m on Transfermarkt, is the subject of speculation over a possible move from Major League Soccer back to Europe’s eastern flank. The latest listing has the probability of the transfer marked only as “?”, underlining that talks – if any – are at an early and uncertain stage rather than an advanced negotiation.
Paintsil’s contractual situation at LA Galaxy is not disclosed in the available data, leaving room for suggestions he could become a free agent or be available at a reduced fee if the MLS club decide to cash in. Any deal would see Trabzonspor add a winger with previous Süper Lig experience, following his loan spell at MKE Ankaragücü during the 2020-21 season.
The Accra-born wide player, whose main position is on the left wing but who is also listed as a right winger and operates predominantly on his right foot, joined LA Galaxy from KRC Genk in February 2024. His market value has declined from a peak of €12m during his time in Belgium to €6m as of December 2025, a trajectory that will influence both the fee Galaxy might seek and the salary Trabzonspor would be prepared to offer.
Paintsil has built a varied career across several leagues, moving from Ghana’s Tema Youth to Ferencvárosi TC in Hungary, then to Genk in Belgium before his Turkish stint with Ankaragücü and subsequent switch to MLS. That breadth of experience, coupled with his attacking versatility, makes him an appealing option for Trabzonspor as they look to bolster their forward line.
Should the move materialise, a return to the Süper Lig could offer Paintsil a fresh platform in Europe to reignite his value and reshape the next phase of his career.
