Wilson Samaké is set to complete a transfer from Stade Rennais to Turkish outfit Bandirmaspor, bringing an end to his stint in French football as he seeks regular first-team opportunities abroad.
The 21-year-old forward, born in Vitry-sur-Seine and capped at youth level for Mali, has already arrived in Turkey to undergo his medical before finalising the deal.
Both clubs have reached a full agreement for the summer move, marking a fresh start for Samaké following an unfulfilled spell with the Ligue 1 side.
After spending the first half of the 2023–24 season on loan at Châteauroux in the French National division, Samaké returned to Rennes during the winter transfer window.
However, his reintegration into the first-team setup never materialised. He was restricted to training and appearances with the club’s reserve side in National 3, the fifth tier of French football.
His brief loan at Châteauroux saw him feature in five matches and register one assist, but the lack of sustained game time stalled his development at a pivotal point in his career.
In total, Samaké has amassed close to 63 senior appearances across National 2 and National 3 levels, but his exposure to top-flight or even Ligue 2 football has remained limited.
While others from Rennes’ development system have managed to break through—most notably Djaoui Cissé, who emerged as a key player under coach Habib Beye—Samaké struggled to make the same leap.
The Malian striker now sees Turkey as an opportunity to reset his trajectory, with Bandirmaspor offering the platform he needs to establish himself professionally.
The Turkish side, which competes in the country’s First League, is reportedly keen to integrate young, hungry talent into its squad ahead of the new season.
For Samaké, the move presents a valuable opportunity to showcase his attacking capabilities at a higher level and prove that he can be more than just a reserve team player.
Despite his relatively limited experience with Rennes’ senior squad, the forward has shown glimpses of his talent in youth and lower-league football.
Quick on the turn and able to operate across the attacking line, Samaké has long been considered a promising talent, even if his development at the top tier has yet to take off.
At Bandirmaspor, expectations will be moderate, but the environment could be exactly what the Malian needs to reignite his career. A strong season in the Turkish First League could elevate his profile and put him back on the radar of bigger clubs, both within Turkey and across Europe.
Stade Rennais, for their part, appear willing to let go of a player who, despite his potential, has yet to make the impact they once hoped for.
As Wilson Samaké prepares to sign his new contract and begin life in Turkey, the next chapter of his career is set to begin—one filled with opportunity, renewed ambition, and the promise of professional growth.
