Moussa Guel: Ivorian-French playmaker joins Shafa on free transfer from Tikves

Shafa have signed Ivorian-French attacking midfielder Moussa Guel from North Macedonian side Tikves on a free transfer. The 27-year-old, born in Abidjan and comfortable operating as a central creator behind the striker, moves to the Azerbaijan Premyer Liqa after a short spell in the Prva liga.

Guel arrives in Baku with experience across several European leagues, having built his reputation largely in Frances lower divisions before moving to Turkey and then North Macedonia. Predominantly right-footed and standing at 1.71m, he is expected to add technical quality and creativity in the final third for his new club.

Before his switch to Tikves in February 2026, also on a free transfer, Guel spent time with Bourg-en-Bresse and Paris 13 Atletico in the French system. Earlier in his career he featured for USL Dunkerque, Red Star FC, Valenciennes and Lorient, gaining minutes in Ligue 2, the French National divisions and domestic cup competitions.

Across league and cup competitions, Guel has amassed close to 200 senior appearances, with his record including double figures for goals and a steady supply of assists. A particularly productive stint in the Prva liga saw him register eight assists in 15 games, underlining his ability to provide a final pass.

Guels CV also includes a Turkish second-tier title with Samsunspor in the 2022-23 campaign, adding promotion-winning experience to Shafas squad. Having reached a current market valuation of around 300,000, he now begins the next phase of his career in Azerbaijan after completing his free transfer from Tikves on 10 July 2026.