Ivorian international defender Loubadhe Abakar Sylla (20) has signed up for five years with Racing Club de Strasbourg Alsace. Born on Christmas Day 2002 and a product of the Société Omnisports de l’Armée, a club in the state capital of Yamoussoukro, Sylla headed for Belgium in the summer of 2021, to join the Academy at FC Bruges.
His excellent performances within the reservesq uickly opened the doors to the first team and he made his debut on the last day of the 2021-2022 season against Union Saint-Gilloise as the team finished champions.
A fast and athletic central defender (1.88 meters), he is a natural leader despite his young age. This left-footed player, endowed with a strong temperament, calm in recovery and strong in duels, then imposed himself in the top flight, competing in the last season a total of 27 matches, including six in the Champions League (one goal). Having become a senior international in September 2022, he has five caps for the “Elephants” of Côte d’Ivoire, a country for whom Jean-Eudes Aholou also plays.
“We are very happy to welcome Abakar to Racing,” said President Marc Keller. “His arrival is part of our tradition of investing in talented young players with high potential. Abakar will find ideal conditions in Strasbourg to confirm his qualities and continue his progress. This is an excellent signing, a player whom we have already been following for two years. This important transfer also testifies to the desire we have to make the club progress even further”.
“I feel both great happiness and great emotion,” added Sylla. “It is also a big challenge for me and an important step in my career as much as it is in my life. I am young, I still have a lot to learn and I will work hard to be able to progress and reach my potential. Racing has a great project. They are an ambitious club, well run and coached by a footballing legend. It’s really great to be here! I can’t wait to discover the French league but also La Meinau and the fans, which I’ve heard a lot about. I’m sure it will be a great adventure.”
After signing his contract, Abakar Sylla headed to Bad Häring (Austria) to join his new teammates at their training camp.
