Ousmane Ndong has officially joined Akhmat Grozny, marking the beginning of his European football journey with a move to the Russian Premier League.
The 25-year-old Senegalese centre-back has signed a contract that will keep him at the club until 2028, following a €500,000 transfer from Iranian side Gol Gohar.
The deal was confirmed by the Russian club, who welcomed the defender as part of their summer recruitment drive.
Ndong, a former player at Cayor Foot in Senegal, brings with him a wealth of international experience, having played across multiple continents.
His career began in South America with spells at Lanús in Argentina, Albion FC in Uruguay, and Gualaceo in Ecuador, before moving to Asia where he featured for Esteghlal and Gol Gohar in Iran.
Akhmat Grozny highlighted his recent performances in the Persian Gulf Pro League as a key factor in securing his signature. During the 2023–24 season with Gol Gohar, Ndong made 30 appearances and scored three goals—a notable contribution for a central defender.
Standing at 192 cm and weighing 86 kg, he brings physical presence and aerial strength to Akhmat’s back line.
“A new signing for the team in the summer transfer window is Senegalese defender Ousmane Ndong,” the club stated. “He joins Akhmat from the Iranian league, having scored three goals in 30 matches for Gol Gohar.
The contract is signed for three years. Date of birth: 20 September 1999. Height: 192 cm. Weight: 86 kg.”
The move to Russia is a significant milestone in Ndong’s career, offering him a platform to compete in one of Europe’s more physically demanding top-flight leagues.
His versatility, experience in multiple football cultures, and defensive leadership will be crucial as Akhmat Grozny aims to strengthen their squad ahead of the upcoming season.
For Ndong, this transfer marks both a reward for his perseverance through diverse football landscapes and an opportunity to establish himself at a higher level.
While he has already built a reputation in South American and Asian leagues, the Russian Premier League presents a fresh challenge and a stage on which to elevate his profile further.
Akhmat Grozny, who are preparing for another campaign in Russia’s top tier, continue to reshape their squad during the transfer window.
The acquisition of Ndong underlines the club’s intent to invest in experienced international talent capable of impacting both ends of the pitch.
With the season approaching, the Senegalese defender is expected to join his new teammates for pre-season preparations as he integrates into his latest football environment.
His arrival adds depth to the Akhmat defence and could prove to be a vital piece in the club’s ambitions for the 2024–25 campaign.
Ndong now becomes the latest African talent to make the leap into European football through Eastern Europe—a pathway increasingly taken by players aiming to gain visibility and make a long-term impact on the continent.
