Portuguese side Rio Ave are in discussions to sign young Ivorian left-back Marcus Traoré from Slovakian club MSK Žilina on a season-long loan with an option to buy.
The 18-year-old, who emerged from the Žilina Africa academy before progressing to the club’s first team, is regarded as a promising talent despite limited senior appearances.
Talks between the two clubs are understood to be at an advanced stage, with all parties hopeful of finalising an agreement before the end of August.
Traoré was introduced to Žilina’s first-team setup last season, making the bench on seven occasions but without featuring in an official competitive match.
However, he gained valuable experience as a regular starter for the club’s reserve side, where his pace, defensive discipline and ability to contribute to attacking phases were noted by scouts.
The left-back began the current campaign with Žilina, but growing interest from abroad – particularly from Portugal – has created a strong possibility of an early-season move.
A switch to Rio Ave would represent his first venture outside Slovakia and offer the opportunity to test himself in a more competitive league.
Traoré’s current contract with Žilina runs until December 2027, giving the Slovakian club significant leverage in negotiations.
His market value is currently estimated at €100,000, according to Transfermarkt, but Rio Ave’s proposed loan deal with a purchase option could allow them to secure the defender on favourable terms should he impress in the Primeira Liga.
For Rio Ave, the potential signing forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen their squad with emerging talents capable of developing into key assets.
The club, preparing for their second league match of the season against CD Nacional, see Traoré as a long-term prospect who could contribute immediately while also offering future resale value.
The Ivorian youngster’s background in the Žilina Africa academy has given him a strong technical foundation and adaptability to different styles of play.
His progression into the first-team environment, coupled with regular match time at reserve level, has drawn comparisons to other African players who have successfully transitioned from development academies in Europe to top-flight football.
Should the deal go through, Traoré would join a growing number of African defenders making their mark in Portuguese football – a league known for providing a platform to young players before they move to larger European clubs.
For the player, the move would offer both a new challenge and the chance to accelerate his development in a league that values attacking full-backs.
With less than three weeks remaining in the transfer window, the coming days are expected to be decisive. If terms are agreed, Marcus Traoré could finalise his move before Rio Ave’s next fixture, giving him the opportunity to integrate quickly into his new team and adapt to the demands of Primeira Liga football.
For now, negotiations continue, but all signs point to the talented Ivorian taking his next steps on the Portuguese stage.
