Babacar Gueye: Troyes Push to Retain Senegalese Striker Despite Relegation Battle
Troyes’ season in Ligue 1 has been anything but successful. Rooted to the bottom of the table for most of the campaign, ESTAC have struggled to compete with France’s top-flight clubs and now find themselves all but mathematically relegated to Ligue 2. Yet amid the gloom and uncertainty surrounding the club’s future, Troyes are already working on a long-term plan. Central to that strategy is the potential contract extension of Senegalese forward Babacar Gueye, a player who could play a crucial role in their rebuild.
At just 21 years of age, Gueye arrived in the Aube region with promise and determination. While his tally of two goals in nine league appearances might seem modest, the raw qualities he possesses—strength, pace, and a keen eye for goal—have caught the attention of scouts from Belgium and Germany. For Troyes, who have been short of attacking firepower all season, Gueye represents both present value and future potential.
The club has moved quickly to secure his services for the long term. Reports from within ESTAC suggest that a three-year contract extension has already been placed on the table. The offer highlights the importance the management places on Gueye, not only as a key attacking outlet but also as a symbol of continuity at a time when uncertainty looms. Relegation inevitably brings upheaval, with many players looking for opportunities elsewhere. By securing Gueye’s commitment, Troyes would hope to build a stable core of players capable of competing for immediate promotion back to Ligue 1.
For Gueye, however, the decision is far from straightforward. On the one hand, staying with Troyes would guarantee him regular playing time and the opportunity to establish himself as a leading figure in Ligue 2. At such a young age, consistent minutes on the pitch could be invaluable for his growth and confidence. On the other hand, interest from clubs abroad, particularly in Belgium and Germany, offers him a different type of challenge. Those leagues are well-regarded for nurturing young African talent, with many players from Senegal and neighboring nations having carved out successful careers there before moving on to bigger European stages.
From Troyes’ perspective, retaining Gueye is also a financial strategy. Should he develop further and attract larger clubs in the coming years, the club could benefit from a significant transfer fee. Given their current financial constraints, that possibility makes his contract extension even more attractive. The management appears determined to avoid the pitfalls of losing promising talents for little return.
The coming weeks will be decisive. As the season winds down, Gueye and his representatives will weigh the stability offered by Troyes against the allure of foreign interest. Whatever decision he makes, it is clear that Gueye has already made an impression in French football. For Troyes, the hope is that the young Senegalese striker chooses loyalty over adventure, at least for the immediate future. Should he stay, he could well become the cornerstone of the club’s ambitions to bounce back into Ligue 1.
