KAA Gent have placed a €15 million valuation on teenage striker Ibrahima Cissé as Premier League and Ligue 1 clubs monitor the 18-year-old’s development. Olympique Lyonnais, Paris FC and AFC Bournemouth are all understood to be tracking the forward, with additional unnamed foreign sides also maintaining an interest in the Senegal-born prospect.
From Thiessois to Belgium
Cissé completed his move to the Ghelamco Arena from CO Thiessois in October 2025, representing a significant step in the youngster’s career. The 1.96-metre centre-forward settled quickly into life at his new club, impressing coaching staff with his performances for the reserve team before earning a promotion to senior duties.
Head coach Rik De Mil handed Cissé his professional debut in March, and the striker celebrated the milestone by scoring his first goal. He has since added 11 further appearances to his tally, bringing his total to 12 outings for the Buffalos. Despite not finding the net in subsequent matches, his physical presence and mobility have marked him as a standout talent in the Belgian Pro League.
Cross-border competition
The breadth of interest in Cissé spans multiple leagues and competitive levels. Lyon represent an attractive destination given their regular participation in European competitions and reputation for developing young attackers. Bournemouth, competing in the English Premier League, could offer the financial muscle and global exposure of English football. Meanwhile, Paris FC are positioning themselves as a project for the future as they aim to climb from France’s second division.
According to reports, Gent are aware of the growing scrutiny and have set their asking price to reflect both the player’s potential and the strong competition for his signature.
Contract security
The Belgian outfit hold a commanding position in any potential transfer discussions. Cissé is tied to the club until 2028, having signed a long-term deal upon his arrival from West Africa. This contractual security allows Gent to demand the reported €15 million fee without pressure to accept lower bids.
As the transfer window progresses, the club must weigh the benefits of an immediate financial windfall against the potential value Cissé could generate through further development in their first team.