Transfer market: what future for Cédric Bakambu?
Free of any contract since the end of his spell at Betis Sevilla, Cédric Bakambu finds himself at a turning point in his career. At 35, however, the Congolese striker has no intention of hanging up his boots, and an unexpected option has emerged in recent days: heading to Brazil.
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A Brazilian option becoming clearer
According to several Brazilian media outlets, including GZH, Internacional Porto Alegre has entered into advanced talks with the Congolese striker, and an agreement between the two parties could be reached soon. The Rio Grande do Sul club, which is coming off a difficult season that ended in 16th place in the Brazilian championship, is looking to bring in the experience of a striker familiar with major competitions to rediscover its offensive momentum.
Bakambu would arrive on a free transfer after three seasons spent in Andalusia. Wearing the Betis shirt, he played 80 matches, scored 15 goals and provided 7 assists in all competitions, an honorable record for a player who has long alternated between being a starter and an offensive substitute.
A player with an already extraordinary career
If this transfer goes through, it would open a new geographical chapter in the unusual career of the Congolese striker. Developed at Sochaux, Bakambu went on to play for Bursaspor in Turkey, Villarreal in Spain, then had a notable spell in China with Beijing Guoan, before returning to Europe with Olympique de Marseille, Olympiakos, Galatasaray and finally Betis Sevilla.
After Europe and Asia, South America would therefore be an unprecedented third continent for the native of Vitry-sur-Seine. There he would be reunited with a familiar face: his compatriot and former national team teammate Yannick Bolasie, currently playing for Chapecoense.
The Congolese national team still on his mind
In sporting terms, the stakes go beyond simply choosing a club. Cédric Bakambu is coming off a difficult 2026 World Cup with the Leopards of the DRC: an undisputed starter, yet he was unable to find the back of the net, which drew its share of criticism.
But the story between the striker and the Congolese national team is probably not over. With 21 goals in the national jersey, he is just one short of the record held by Dieumerci Mbokani. A new challenge, no matter how far from home, could give him the chance to keep playing at a high level, and perhaps even to claim this historic mark at his next call-ups.
It remains to be seen whether the appeal of one last exotic challenge in Brazil will outweigh other possible options. Cédric Bakambu will have to decide…