Senegalese forward Keïta Baldé has parted ways with Turkish side Sivasspor after the club terminated his contract with the Turkish Football Federation (TFF).
The announcement, made on Monday, January 6, brings an early end to Baldé’s time in the Süper Lig and marks another setback in the career of the former Lazio and AS Monaco player.
A Brief and Disappointing Spell in Turkey
Baldé joined Sivasspor on a free transfer during the off-season from Spartak Moscow, arriving with expectations to bolster the club’s attacking options.
However, his impact was limited. Over the course of 11 league matches, the 29-year-old managed just one goal—a return that failed to satisfy the club’s management.
Despite his notable experience, Baldé struggled to find his rhythm in a team striving for stability.
A Career in Decline
Trained at Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, Baldé first made a name for himself in Serie A with Lazio.
His standout performances earned him a high-profile move to AS Monaco in 2017, where he impressed in his debut season.
However, subsequent years saw a string of underwhelming stints at clubs such as Inter Milan, Cagliari, and Spartak Moscow.
His time at Sivasspor has added to a growing list of challenges, highlighting a decline in form that began several seasons ago.
What Lies Ahead for Baldé?
At 29, Baldé faces a pivotal moment in his career. Renowned for his pace and ability to take on defenders, the Senegalese international now needs to find a club willing to offer him a fresh opportunity to reignite his once-promising career.
Despite recent struggles, Baldé’s talent remains undeniable. His future, however, is clouded by uncertainty as clubs may question his ability to return to the level that once made him one of football’s brightest prospects.
The coming weeks will be critical for Baldé, who must now prove he still has the quality to compete at a high level.
Whether he can overcome this challenging phase and reclaim his place among top-tier players remains to be seen.
For the La Masia graduate, time is running out to make good on the immense potential he showed early in his career.
