Aliou Badji has sealed a return to Turkish football, signing with Sivasspor following the expiry of his contract with French outfit Red Star FC.
The 27-year-old Senegalese forward was unveiled on Wednesday as Sivasspor’s latest signing, marking a new chapter in a career that has spanned several countries and leagues.
A product of Casa Sports in Dakar, Badji brings a wealth of international experience to the Turkish second division club.
Badji’s football journey has seen him feature across Europe and Africa. He began making his mark with Swedish club Djurgården before switching to Austria with Rapid Vienna. A move to Egyptian giants Al Ahly followed, where he gained further recognition.
His earlier stints in Türkiye included spells at Ankaragücü and Gaziantep FK, giving him a firm familiarity with the local football landscape.
He also spent time in France with Amiens SC and Girondins de Bordeaux before linking up with Red Star FC for the 2024–25 campaign.
During his time at Red Star, Badji made 30 appearances in Ligue 2, scoring seven goals and providing three assists.
His contributions, though not enough to push the club toward promotion, reaffirmed his qualities as a reliable forward capable of impacting games with both goals and creativity.
By joining Sivasspor, Badji returns to a league he knows well. His previous experiences in Türkiye could prove invaluable as the club looks to strengthen its attacking options for the new season.
Sivasspor, aiming to mount a challenge for promotion, will be banking on the Senegalese forward’s ability to adapt quickly and deliver on the pitch.
Although the club has not disclosed the specifics of his contract, the signing signals Sivasspor’s intent to bolster their squad with experienced international talent.
At 27, Badji is entering the prime years of his career, and the move provides him with a fresh opportunity to reassert himself in Turkish football.
Known for his physical presence, aerial ability, and work ethic, Badji is expected to bring leadership and a competitive edge to Sivasspor’s frontline.
His return to Türkiye adds another layer to his diverse career, which has seen him navigate the challenges of different footballing cultures with resilience.
For the player, the decision to rejoin Turkish football is both a return to familiar surroundings and a chance to reestablish himself in a league where he has previously impressed.
As the new season approaches, Sivasspor supporters will be eager to see how their latest signing performs as the team targets a strong campaign.
Aliou Badji’s arrival could prove pivotal in Sivasspor’s ambitions, and with his extensive resume, he stands as one of the more experienced additions in the division this transfer window.
