Modibo Sagnan is on the verge of joining Turkish top-flight side Çaykur Rizespor following Montpellier’s relegation from Ligue 1 at the end of last season.
The 26-year-old Mali international, who featured prominently for Montpellier during the 2023/24 campaign, is now poised to continue his professional journey in the Süper Lig.
According to reports from Foot Mercato, negotiations between the player and Rizespor are at an advanced stage, with a deal expected to be finalised in the coming days.
Sagnan, who joined Montpellier from Real Sociedad, made 26 league appearances last season and contributed two goals from his central defensive position.
Despite his consistent performances, he was unable to prevent the club from slipping into Ligue 2 — a development that has seemingly prompted his decision to seek a new challenge abroad.
Rizespor, who finished ninth in the Süper Lig last season, are looking to strengthen their backline ahead of the upcoming campaign. The club views Sagnan’s experience in both Ligue 1 and La Liga as a valuable asset in their bid to climb further up the Turkish league standings.
A product of the French football system, Sagnan began his career at RC Lens before moving to Spain with Real Sociedad. He has also had loan spells at CD Mirandés and Tondela before eventually signing with Montpellier.
Known for his physical presence, aerial strength, and positional discipline, the defender has grown into a reliable performer at club level and has earned international recognition with Mali in recent years.
His move to Rizespor would mark the first time Sagnan plays in Turkey, and it represents a fresh opportunity for the defender to reassert himself in a competitive European league.
The Süper Lig has increasingly become a destination for African players seeking a platform to showcase their talents, and Sagnan’s potential arrival adds to that growing trend.
Montpellier, now preparing for life in Ligue 2, may face further departures following their demotion, with Sagnan being among the more high-profile exits expected this summer.
The club will likely seek reinforcements to rebuild their squad, while the defender turns his focus toward new ambitions in Turkey.
Though the transfer has yet to be officially confirmed, all indications point to Sagnan wearing the colours of Çaykur Rizespor next season.
His imminent departure underlines the changes Montpellier are undergoing and highlights the appeal of the Turkish top tier for players aiming to maintain top-level competition.
As the summer window continues to gather momentum, Sagnan’s next move could soon be sealed, marking a new chapter for the Malian international in a league known for its intensity and passionate fanbase.
