Samuel Kotto has emerged as a potential transfer target for Trabzonspor after Turkish scouts monitored the Cameroon international closely during the Africa Cup of Nations, with a detailed report on the 22-year-old centre-back now sitting with the club’s recruitment department.
The left-footed defender, who plays his club football with Belgian side Gent, was tracked throughout the tournament as Trabzonspor step up their search for reinforcements at the heart of their defence.
According to information shared with the Turkish club, Kotto caught the eye with his physical authority, calmness in possession and ability to read the game, qualities that stood out despite his limited minutes at club level this season.
Kotto, who is part of Cameroon’s AFCON 2025 squad, used the competition as a platform to underline his credentials.
Observers highlighted not only his strength in duels but also his composure when building play from the back, a skillset increasingly sought after in modern defenders.
His performances in national colours have helped compensate for his relatively low profile at Gent, where he has struggled to secure a regular starting role.
Interest in the former Malmö player is not restricted to Turkey.
The defender has already attracted attention from scouts at FC Barcelona, who have been impressed by his distribution and his ability to stay composed under pressure.
That interest has fuelled expectations that Kotto could be one of several young players whose reputations are boosted by strong showings at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Although Trabzonspor have not yet opened formal negotiations with Gent, the club’s monitoring of Kotto forms part of a broader strategy to identify high-potential talents during major international tournaments.
Clubs increasingly view AFCON 2025 as an opportunity to uncover players who may not yet have established themselves fully in European leagues but who demonstrate clear upside on a bigger stage.
Kotto remains under contract with Gent until 2028, a factor that strengthens the Belgian club’s position should interest turn into concrete talks.
Transfermarkt currently values the defender at €1 million, a figure that could rise if his performances continue to draw attention across the continent.
Gent, meanwhile, are preparing for their next domestic challenge, their 21st match of the Belgian Pro League season against Anderlecht.
The betting company 1xbet (you can download the 1xbet app here) offers the following odds for this match: Gent to win at 2.72, a draw at 3.20, and Anderlecht to win at 2.22.
For now, Kotto’s future remains open, but his name is firmly on the radar of Trabzonspor and other clubs who see in the Cameroonian a defender with the potential to make a significant step forward in the coming transfer window.
