Kodjo Laba: Togo striker leaves Al-Ain to become free agent after contract expiry

Togo centre-forward Kodjo Laba has officially left UAE Pro League side Al-Ain to become a free agent, with his move to “Without Club” confirmed as a completed transfer on 2026-07-01 and his contract now listed as running until 2026-07-01. The 34-year-old, valued at €2.80m, departs the Emirati club without a transfer fee, as his switch has been registered with a fee of None.

The move formally ends Laba’s spell with Al-Ain, where he had been registered in the UAE Pro League before his status changed to that of an unattached player. The transfer record shows Al-Ain as the club of departure and “Without Club” as his new registration, with the destination listed under a league structure marked N/A, underscoring that he is not currently tied to any domestic competition.

Born in Lomé on 27 Jan 1992 and standing at 1.80m, Laba has built his reputation as a right-footed centre-forward, operating primarily through the middle in an attacking role. His current market valuation of €2.80m reflects the continued regard for his ability and experience, even as he enters the latter stages of his career. With his national team registration also recorded as “Without Club,” the striker’s immediate future lies in finding a new employer rather than preparing for club fixtures.

Laba’s confirmed free-agent status means he is now eligible to negotiate directly with interested clubs without the need for a transfer fee, a situation that could facilitate a move abroad and potentially see him compete in a new environment beyond the UAE and outside his home country, Togo. Any subsequent agreement would begin after his registration as a free agent on 2026-07-01, with the previous contractual relationship with Al-Ain concluded on that same date.

The data does not provide specific recent match details, appearances, or season statistics from his final campaign with Al-Ain, nor does it list his earlier clubs outside the UAE Pro League. However, his continued market value suggests that his performances in recent seasons have sustained his standing in the transfer market, and his profile remains that of an experienced international forward capable of leading the line.

For supporters in Togo, the end of Laba’s stint at Al-Ain opens a new chapter for one of the country’s best-known attacking exports, even if his next destination is still to be determined by future negotiations. Across the UAE Pro League, his departure leaves Al-Ain without a seasoned option at centre-forward, while clubs abroad may see opportunity in acquiring a proven striker without paying a fee.

As Laba assesses offers following the official end of his Al-Ain contract on 2026-07-01, the outcome of his next move will help define the closing phase of his career, shaping how his legacy is viewed both in Togo and in the wider international game.