Mouhamed El Bachir Ngom: Senegal defender joins KAA Gent from Grasshoppers

Senegalese centre-back Mouhamed El Bachir Ngom has joined Belgian side KAA Gent from Swiss club Grasshoppers. The 26-year-old, who is right-footed and stands at 1.83m, has signed a contract with the Jupiler Pro League outfit running until 30 June 2031.

Ngom moves to Belgium after a brief spell in Switzerland, having joined Grasshoppers in February 2026 from Latvian side Riga. His switch to Gent marks the latest step in a steady rise through European leagues for the Dakar-born defender, whose market value is currently listed at €800,000.

Before his move to Switzerland, Ngom built his reputation during a productive stint in Latvia. He made more than 100 appearances in the Virsliga and featured regularly in European competition, including qualifying rounds of the Europa Conference League. Across league, cup and continental fixtures, he contributed goals and assists from the back line, underlining his usefulness at set-pieces.

Ngom first moved to Europe in 2022, joining Riga from Auda after beginning his professional career with Diambars FC in Senegal. He has also experienced domestic cup competitions in multiple countries and has a goal to his name in the CAF Confederation Cup, reflecting a varied early career across different footballing environments.

Born on 12 May 2000 in Dakar, Ngom now commits his long-term future to Gent as he embarks on his first spell in Belgian football.