Habib Sylla to Oțelul? A transfer deal that has been in the works for weeks is finally on the verge of completion, with Oțelul Galați close to securing the services of 27-year-old right-back Habib Sylla. The Ivorian defender, who was last playing for Leiria in the Portuguese second division, has agreed to join the Romanian club, with an official announcement expected in the coming hours.
Habib Sylla / Photo: gsp.ro
Oțelul Galați has been active in the transfer market this summer, and the signing of Sylla would be the third major acquisition for the club after the arrivals of Joao Paulino and Teodor Lungu. Oțelul has been looking to strengthen its squad ahead of the new season, and the addition of Sylla would provide a significant boost to their defensive options.
Sylla, who has been on the books at Leiria for the past two seasons, has a wealth of experience playing in Portugal, with previous stints at Vitoria Guimaraes, Marinhense, Chaves, and Pedras Salgadas. He has also had international experience, representing the Ivory Coast national team.
Habib Sylla: Key Statistics and Career Highlights
Sylla’s last appearance for Leiria came on May 3, in a 0-3 loss to Farense. In his previous season with the club, he made 26 appearances without scoring or providing a decisive assist. In his second stint with Leiria in 2020-2021, Sylla accumulated 61 appearances, netting one goal and two assists.
A Fresh Start for Habib Sylla and Oțelul Galați
The move to Oțelul Galați presents a new opportunity for Sylla to establish himself as a regular starter, with Milen Zhelev (32) also vying for a place in the right-back position. The signing of Habib Sylla is expected to give Oțelul Galați a much-needed boost in their bid to climb the Superliga standings next season.
Oțelul Galați finished last season in 9th place in the Superliga, avoiding any relegation worries. With the arrival of Sylla and other new signings, the club is looking to build on their solid foundation and push for a more competitive finish in the new season. The signing of Sylla marks an exciting development for Oțelul Galați, and fans will be eagerly anticipating his debut in the coming weeks.
As Oțelul Galați continues to strengthen its squad, the club’s management will be hoping that the arrival of Sylla will prove to be a shrewd move, providing the necessary depth and quality to challenge for a top-six finish in the Superliga.
In the wake of this transfer development, it will be interesting to see how Oțelul Galați‘s new signings will fare in the upcoming season, and whether the club can build on its solid foundation to achieve a more competitive finish.