Kodjo Fo-Doh Laba, the Togolese striker who has been in scintillating form for Renaissance Sportive de Berkane, is expected to have a busy and decisive summer on the transfer market. Fresh off a crucial performance in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup final, where he scored the only goal to give Berkane a 1-0 advantage over Zamalek, Laba has attracted attention from multiple clubs across Africa and Europe.
Speaking on Talents d’Afrique on Canal+ Sport Afrique, Claude Le Roy, the Togo national team coach, hinted at a potential move to France. Le Roy revealed that Clermont Foot, currently 10th in Ligue 2, is far along in negotiations for Laba. Under Pascal Gastien, who was recently voted Ligue 2’s best coach at the UNFP awards, Clermont has been pursuing the striker for several months. However, discussions have reportedly slowed due to disagreements over contractual conditions, leaving the door open for other suitors.
Indeed, several French clubs are also showing strong interest in Laba. Grenoble Foot 38 has confirmed its desire to secure the striker, seeing him as a key addition to their attacking lineup. Meanwhile, Guingamp, recently relegated from Ligue 1 to Ligue 2, are monitoring Laba’s situation closely, hoping to bolster their squad for an immediate push back to the top tier. Lorient, who narrowly missed promotion to Ligue 1 last season, are also preparing a potential offer, signaling a competitive race among French clubs to sign the prolific forward.
Despite strong interest from Europe, Laba has not ignored opportunities closer to home. Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly is reportedly ready to make a record-breaking bid to secure the Togolese forward, offering him a contract that would make him the club’s highest-paid player. However, according to sources, Laba remains focused on a European move, prioritizing the level of competition and visibility offered by European football over the financial incentive in Egypt.
Laba’s potential transfer is one of the most anticipated moves of the summer, reflecting both his impressive performances in Morocco and his growing reputation across the continent. His ability to perform in crucial matches, such as the CAF Confederation Cup final, has reinforced his value and drawn the attention of clubs eager to strengthen their attacking options. The competition among interested clubs—spanning established Ligue 2 sides, recently relegated teams, and ambitious African giants—underscores the striker’s quality and potential impact at his next destination.
In summary, Kodjo Laba is entering a pivotal summer in his career. With Clermont Foot reportedly close to an agreement, Grenoble, Guingamp, and Lorient also in the running, and Al Ahly making a lucrative offer, the Togolese striker has multiple options. Despite lucrative offers from Africa, Europe remains his priority, and the next few weeks will likely determine where Laba continues his rise as one of the continent’s most promising forwards.
