German Bundesliga club VfL Bochum is close to signing Malian defensive midfielder Ibrahima Sissoko, a 26-year-old from RC Strasbourg Alsace, according to Bild.
With a market value of €6 million, Sissoko would become the most valuable player in Bochum’s squad.
His contract with Strasbourg is expiring, so no transfer fee is required. Sissoko has attracted interest from other clubs, including FC Augsburg and Borussia Mönchengladbach.
He made his debut for Mali’s national team in October last year and has played for French youth teams.
Bochum’s new coach, Peter Zeidler, sees Sissoko as a key signing to strengthen his midfield.
Sissoko has experience in Ligue 1 and has played 198 games for Strasbourg, scoring five goals and providing 14 assists. His signing would follow Patrick Osterhage’s departure to SC Freiburg for €4.8 million.
Sissoko’s arrival would be Bochum’s second new signing after Samuel Bamba from Borussia Dortmund.
