Trabzonspor have stepped up their interest in Ivorian midfielder Christ Inao Oulaï, tabling a substantial €7 million offer to secure the teenager from French Ligue 2 side SC Bastia.
The 19-year-old, who joined Bastia only last summer from the JMG Academy in Abidjan, has made rapid progress in his debut season in European football.
Initially featuring for the reserve team, where he recorded six appearances, Oulaï’s displays quickly earned him promotion to the senior squad.
He went on to feature in 16 Ligue 2 matches, scoring once, and establishing himself as one of the most exciting young talents at the Corsican club.
His swift adaptation and promising performances have inevitably drawn interest from clubs across Europe, with several sides reported to be monitoring his development.
Trabzonspor, however, appear determined to move ahead of their rivals. According to French reports, the Turkish side have presented Bastia with an official bid believed to be in the region of €7 million – a fee that would represent a significant financial boost for the Ligue 2 outfit.
So far, Bastia have not issued a response to the offer. With Oulaï under contract until June 2028, the Corsican club are under no immediate pressure to sell.
However, given the scale of Trabzonspor’s proposal compared to the player’s current valuation – listed at €600,000 on Transfermarkt – it could prove difficult to resist.
The midfielder’s rise has been watched closely by scouts, with journalist Loïc Capretti reporting that several other clubs have also entered the race for the player.
This mounting competition is expected to intensify negotiations in the coming days, as Bastia weigh up whether to cash in on one of their brightest assets or retain him for their ongoing campaign.
Oulaï, born in Yopougon, has earned praise for his composure on the ball, vision in midfield, and ability to dictate play despite his limited professional experience.
His potential move to Turkey would represent a significant step up in his career just one year after leaving the Ivory Coast.
For Trabzonspor, the pursuit of Oulaï signals their intent to invest heavily in young prospects as they aim to strengthen their squad for both domestic competition and European ambitions.
The Bordo-Mavi’s willingness to spend decisively highlights the high regard in which the Ivorian midfielder is held.
The coming weeks are likely to be decisive, with Bastia’s decision pivotal in shaping Oulaï’s next career move. Should a transfer materialise, it would not only mark a major breakthrough for the youngster but also underline the growing influence of Ivorian talent across Europe’s leagues.
