Senegalese defender Ibrahima Ba is set to join RC Strasbourg Alsace after rejecting an offer from Portuguese giants SL Benfica, according to Record. The 21-year-old will command a €20 million transfer fee from FC Famalicão, who will also retain 15 per cent of any future sale.
The deal represents a significant coup for the Ligue 1 club, who have secured Ba’s services on a long-term contract running until 2030. The move comes just twelve months after the centre-back arrived at Famalicão from French side Valenciennes FC, highlighting his rapid development in Portuguese football and attracting interest from some of Europe’s most storied clubs.
Benfica miss out on priority target
The Lisbon giants had identified Ba as a priority target to strengthen their defence following the departures of experienced campaigner Nicolás Otamendi and young star António Silva. With Silva poised to complete a move to Premier League side AFC Bournemouth, manager Marco Silva faced a depleted central defensive unit and urgently sought reinforcements.
Benfica reportedly offered Ba the opportunity to compete for domestic titles and Champions League football, but the Senegalese international ultimately decided against a switch to the Estádio da Luz. The rejection comes as a considerable blow to their pre-season preparations, potentially forcing the club to accelerate their search for alternative defensive options before the transfer window closes.
Strasbourg secure reunion
The decisive factor in Strasbourg’s favour appears to be Hugo Oliveira, who was recently appointed as the French club’s new manager. Oliveira previously coached Ba at Famalicão, where the Boune-born defender made 27 appearances, scoring once and providing one assist during the 2024-25 campaign.
The reunion offers Ba continuity at a crucial stage of his career, with regular first-team football likely guaranteed under a coach who already understands his capabilities. For Strasbourg, the acquisition addresses immediate defensive needs while providing a potentially valuable long-term asset given the eight-year contract and favourable sell-on arrangement.
Famalicão stand to profit substantially from the transfer, having signed Ba only last summer. The retention of a 15 per cent sell-on clause ensures the Portuguese club will receive a portion of any subsequent transfer, protecting their financial interests should the 21-year-old continue his upward trajectory in French football and attract further interest from Europe’s elite.