Sporting CP are on the verge of completing a €20 million deal to sign defender Ibrahima Ba from Famalicao, according to reports in Portugal. The 21-year-old underwent a medical with the Portuguese club on Tuesday, with initial indications suggesting a successful examination, differing from a recent failed medical with Strasbourg.
Ba’s potential move to Strasbourg fell through just five days ago following complications during final salary negotiations and concerns raised by some sources regarding his medical assessment. The Senegal international suffered a knee injury at the end of last season, but Famalicao closely monitored his recovery during the off-season. Two subsequent MRI scans conducted upon his return to Europe reportedly revealed no significant issues, bolstering confidence in his physical condition.
Record reports that Sporting were optimistic about Ba’s fitness, and he even participated in a friendly match against Famalicao’s under-23 side. Should the transfer be fully ratified, the deal includes a percentage of any future sale of the player remaining with Famalicao. An official announcement is anticipated on Wednesday.
Ba began his career with AJEL Rufisque in the Senegalese first division before moving to Europe. He has quickly established himself as a promising central defender, attracting interest from multiple clubs. The transfer is viewed as a direct replacement for Ousmane Diomandé, with the Ivorian defender increasingly likely to join Nottingham Forest. This move provides Sporting with a young, highly-rated centre-back to strengthen their defensive options, while offering Ba a platform to further develop his career in a competitive league.
