Samuel Bamba: German-Congolese winger joins Maritimo on free transfer from Bochum

German-DR Congo winger Samuel Bamba has joined Portuguese side Maritimo on a free transfer from VfL Bochum, signing a contract with the Liga Portugal club until 30 June 2029.

The 22-year-old right winger, who can operate on either foot, makes the move after leaving Bochum at the end of last season. Maritimo have secured him without a fee, despite his current market value being listed at around €350,000.

Bamba spent the 2025-26 campaign on loan at Dutch club Willem II from Bochum, gaining regular senior experience in the Keuken Kampioen Divisie and its promotion play-offs, as well as appearing in the KNVB Beker. He had joined Bochum in 2024 from Borussia Dortmund’s second team, again on a free transfer.

Born in Ahlen and standing at 1.79m, Bamba came through Borussia Dortmund’s youth system after an early spell with Rot Weiss Ahlen. He progressed through Dortmund’s under-17 and under-19 sides, winning the German Under-19 Bundesliga title once and the Under-19 Bundesliga West twice.

At youth level he built a reputation in domestic and European competition, scoring and assisting across the U19-Bundesliga, UEFA Youth League and German youth cup, before stepping up to senior football with Dortmund’s reserve side and making his way into the Bundesliga and 3. Liga.

Bamba now moves to Portugal for the first time in his career, committing his long-term future to Maritimo on a deal running to the summer of 2029.