Mercato: Cédric Bakambu will ultimately not sign with Internacional

It's now official: Cédric Bakambu will not be joining Internacional de Porto Alegre. The Brazilian club announced on Wednesday that negotiations with the Congolese striker have come to an end, even though both parties seemed close to an agreement. In its statement, Internacional explained that "the necessary conditions for finalizing the negotiations were not met between the parties." As a result, no deal could be reached to allow the DR Congo international to continue his career in Brazil.

This outcome marks a twist in a transfer saga that appeared to be on the right track. Bakambu was in advanced talks with Internacional, and his arrival would have allowed the Brazilian side to strengthen their attacking line with a player boasting solid experience in both European and international football.

For the 35-year-old striker, this move also represented a chance to discover another top league after playing in several countries during what has been a particularly illustrious career.

A career built across continents

Having made his name at Sochaux, Bakambu quickly drew attention in France before continuing his journey at Bursaspor in Turkey. He then enjoyed one of the most prolific periods of his career at Villarreal, where he established himself as a lethal goalscorer.

His performances in Spain opened the door to China with Beijing Guoan, followed by a return to Europe with Marseille, and subsequent spells at Olympiakos and Betis. He also donned the jerseys of Olympique de Marseille and Galatasaray, where he won the Turkish championship.

His journey also took him to Saudi Arabia with Al-Nasr, and then back to Spain with Betis. Over the years, the Congolese forward has built a reputation as an experienced striker, capable of adapting to various attacking systems.

A mainstay for the Leopards

With the Democratic Republic of Congo, Bakambu has also played a key role. An international since 2015, he has represented the Leopards in several competitions and has established himself as one of the leading strikers of his generation.

At 35, the former Sochaux man is now approaching the final chapter of his career. His experience, international pedigree, and goal-scoring prowess remain his main assets, even though career choices naturally evolve at this stage.

Internacional has officially closed the Bakambu file. For the Congolese striker, the focus now shifts to finding a new challenge to extend, once again, a career that has taken him from France to Spain, via Turkey, China, Greece, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey.

Nouya M'toama

Editorfr, en

Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

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