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Report: Chicago Fire Defender Bakary Soumare To Sign For Boulogne
One of the top MLS defenders during 2008 is to make a switch to Ligue 1, where he will play for newly-promoted outfit Boulogne.
Aug 22, 2009 2:11:59 PM
Boulogne-Sur-Mer are poised to add to their squad ahead of the closure of the summer transfer window by acquiring Chicago Fire defender Bakary Soumare, according to a report published by L’Equipe on Saturday.
The Ligue 1 side, who won promotion from Ligue 2 last term via a spectacular late-season charge, will pay a reputed €1.5 million for the services of the Malian 23-year-old, who recently made his international debut.
Standing at 6'4, the defender is an imposing figure, and he comes with certificates of commendation, having been named in the MLS’ Best XI of 2008.
But all has not gone smoothly for the defender since. Controversy has recently dogged the player, who was involved in a physical altercation with coach Denis Hamlett, which has effectively left the player estranged from the club as he has not featured for the side since.
Boulogne are expected to complete the transfer by Wednesday at the latest.
Laurent Guyot’s men have also received another boost this week as defender Olubayo Adefemi has been cleared for them to play against Saint-Etienne on Saturday evening. FIFA have stepped into the row between USBCO and the 23-year-old’s former club, Rheindorf Altach.
Regarded as the minnows of the French top flight, Boulogne are in their first season with the elite clubs, picking up their first ever victory last weekend with a 2-1 success over Grenoble, whom they downed courtesy of a Gregory Thil brace.
Robin Bairner, Goal.com
For more on Major League Soccer, visit Goal.com's MLS page
The Ligue 1 side, who won promotion from Ligue 2 last term via a spectacular late-season charge, will pay a reputed €1.5 million for the services of the Malian 23-year-old, who recently made his international debut.
Standing at 6'4, the defender is an imposing figure, and he comes with certificates of commendation, having been named in the MLS’ Best XI of 2008.
But all has not gone smoothly for the defender since. Controversy has recently dogged the player, who was involved in a physical altercation with coach Denis Hamlett, which has effectively left the player estranged from the club as he has not featured for the side since.
Boulogne are expected to complete the transfer by Wednesday at the latest.
Laurent Guyot’s men have also received another boost this week as defender Olubayo Adefemi has been cleared for them to play against Saint-Etienne on Saturday evening. FIFA have stepped into the row between USBCO and the 23-year-old’s former club, Rheindorf Altach.
Regarded as the minnows of the French top flight, Boulogne are in their first season with the elite clubs, picking up their first ever victory last weekend with a 2-1 success over Grenoble, whom they downed courtesy of a Gregory Thil brace.
Robin Bairner, Goal.com
For more on Major League Soccer, visit Goal.com's MLS page
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