Makana Baku: Kocaelispor complete free transfer for Germany-DR Congo winger from Atromitos

Contract start date: 2026-07-01 Contract end date: Not disclosed

Makana Baku has completed a permanent move to Kocaelispor from Greek side Atromitos on a free transfer, with the 28-year-old left winger set to continue his career in Türkiye after his switch to the Süper Lig club was finalised. The Germany and DR Congo dual national joins the Turkish outfit with a current market value listed at €800k and is immediately registered as a Kocaelispor player.

The transfer sees Baku leave Atromitos, who compete in Greece’s Super League 1, for Kocaelispor, who play in the Süper Lig. The deal has been recorded as a free transfer, underlining a potentially shrewd piece of business for the Turkish club as they reinforce their attacking options on the flank.

Born in Mainz and standing at 1.77m, Baku is predominantly an attacking left winger and is right-footed. His versatility across the attacking line and his profile as a German-born player with DR Congo nationality add an international dimension to Kocaelispor’s squad make-up. The move confirms his status as a player continuing his career abroad, with his club future now tied to Türkiye rather than his country of birth.

Baku arrives at Kocaelispor having most recently been part of Atromitos’ setup in the Greek top flight. That spell in Super League 1 provided him with experience in another European league, adding to his profile as a player accustomed to adapting to different footballing cultures and tactical demands. While detailed seasonal statistics, recent match performances, and individual game contributions are not specified in the available data, his maintained valuation of €800k suggests he remains regarded as a valuable attacking asset.

At Kocaelispor, Baku is expected to operate primarily on the left side of attack, where his ability to cut inside onto his stronger right foot fits naturally with common Süper Lig tactical setups that favour inverted wingers. His dual nationality also makes him a noteworthy figure for fans in both Germany and DR Congo, as his club career now continues in one of Türkiye’s most watched divisions.

The confirmed transfer also raises the longer-term question of Baku’s contractual future, as no expiry date is listed for his new deal. That absence of public information leaves open the possibility that he could become a free agent again at an unspecified point, depending on how the contract is structured and whether Kocaelispor choose to extend or renegotiate terms.

For now, Baku’s focus shifts fully to establishing himself at Kocaelispor, using his experience from Greece’s Super League 1 and his international background to make an impact in the Süper Lig. How he adapts to Turkish football and how Kocaelispor utilise his strengths on the left wing will go a long way in determining the next stage of his career and his standing in both German and Congolese football circles.