Pape Alioune “Badou” Ndiaye is being closely monitored by newly promoted Kocaelispor, with the Turkish side eager to secure the services of the experienced Senegalese midfielder ahead of their return to the Süper Lig.
At 34, Ndiaye could be set for another chapter in Turkish football, this time under the guidance of Selçuk İnan, who was recently appointed head coach of Kocaelispor.
The two men share a long-standing professional relationship, having previously played together at Galatasaray and worked side-by-side again at Gaziantep FK during İnan’s tenure on the coaching staff.
Reports from the Turkish press indicate that İnan has made Ndiaye one of his top transfer priorities this summer. The midfielder, who remains under contract with Gaziantep FK for one more season, featured in 29 matches last term, contributing one goal and three assists.
Despite his age, Ndiaye’s tactical intelligence, composure, and leadership on the pitch remain highly valued attributes, particularly for a team seeking to cement its place in the top flight.
Kocaelispor, newly promoted to the Süper Lig, are keen to add experience to their squad and view Ndiaye as a potential cornerstone of their midfield.
Negotiations are reportedly underway with Gaziantep, as Kocaelispor aim to secure an early release before offering the player a two-year contract.
Ndiaye’s journey through football has taken him from Senegal to the heights of European competition. A product of the Aspire Academy and Génération Foot in his homeland, he launched his European career in Norway with Bodø/Glimt.
His breakthrough in Turkish football came with Osmanlıspor in 2015, where his performances quickly earned him a move to Galatasaray just two years later.
His time at Galatasaray proved to be a springboard to the Premier League, joining Stoke City in 2018 for a then-record fee for the English club. Despite a brief stint in England, Turkey remained a consistent feature in Ndiaye’s career.
He returned to Galatasaray on loan and went on to represent several Turkish clubs, including Trabzonspor, Fatih Karagümrük, Adana Demirspor, Pendikspor, and most recently, Gaziantep FK.
On the international stage, Ndiaye earned 30 caps for Senegal, featuring in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia and multiple editions of the Africa Cup of Nations. Known for his discipline and tactical awareness, he has long been regarded as a dependable figure in the teams he has served.
For Kocaelispor, his arrival would represent more than just an experienced signing. Ndiaye brings with him years of domestic and international experience, along with the kind of leadership qualities needed for a club looking to solidify its position among Turkey’s footballing elite.
Should the move materialise, it would not only reunite Ndiaye with a trusted figure in Selçuk İnan but also offer him another chance to shine in a league where he has already left a lasting mark.
