Senegalese forward Keïta Baldé has agreed to remain with AC Monza for two more seasons, despite the club’s recent relegation to Serie B.
The 30-year-old, who joined the Biancorossi in February, has reached an agreement with the club’s management to extend his stay until 2027.
His decision marks a show of loyalty at a time when many players opt to move on following demotion to a lower league.
Baldé, whose career includes spells at Lazio, AS Monaco, Inter Milan, Cagliari, Sampdoria, and Spartak Moscow, joined Monza during the winter transfer window, at a moment when the club’s fate in Serie A already appeared sealed.
In his 11 appearances for the Lombardy side, he managed to score twice, but his impact extended beyond statistics. His experience and professionalism were noted in a squad struggling to keep afloat in Italy’s top flight.
In an interview with Sportmediaset, the forward expressed his contentment with life in Italy and with Monza’s project in particular. “I feel good here and I would like to continue playing here,” he said.
“There are ambitious people working at Monza who want to be at the top, which is a good sign and it’s important. I’m happy here, I have everything I need, I’m relaxed. We’ll see.”
His comments underscore a sense of stability and commitment that is often rare in the volatile environment of professional football. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Baldé has now formalised that sentiment with a contract extension that will see him stay at the club for the next two seasons.
Monza, despite their relegation, are reportedly planning a swift return to Serie A, and retaining experienced players like Baldé is seen as crucial to that mission. While next season will mark his debut campaign in Italy’s second division, Baldé brings with him a wealth of top-flight experience from across Europe that could prove invaluable.
Since his professional debut with Lazio in 2013, Baldé has been a dynamic and versatile attacker. Known for his pace and ability to operate across the front line, the Senegal international has accumulated over 250 senior appearances in European leagues.
His international record is equally notable, with over 40 caps for Senegal, where he has featured in several Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
His decision to remain at Monza stands out at a time when players in similar positions often seek transfers to maintain top-tier status.
For Monza, Baldé’s commitment could serve as a signal of stability and intent, as the club begins what it hopes will be a short stay in Serie B.
With a full pre-season ahead and a fresh start in a new division, both Baldé and Monza will be looking to rewrite the narrative of the past year.
For the striker, it will be his first experience in Serie B—a new chapter in an already diverse and seasoned career.
