Yanga SC continues to reshape its squad ahead of the upcoming season, with their sights now set on two international stars: Ibrahim Keita of TP Mazembe and Fily Traore, who plays for Asswehly in Libya.
Representatives from SABABU Sport Management, an agency that handles player representation, are currently in the country to finalize talks concerning the two players.
Ibrahim Keita (23), a right-back from Mauritania currently playing for TP Mazembe, is reportedly the top choice to fill the void left by Yao Kouassi, who recently underwent knee surgery and could be sidelined for more than six months.
Keita is also a member of the Mauritania national team, and his contract with TP Mazembe is set to expire at the end of this season. He has refused to renew his deal, giving Yanga a strong chance to sign him without a high transfer fee.
On the other hand, Yanga is closely monitoring prolific striker Fily Traore (23), a Malian international who has scored 16 goals this season for Libyan top-flight club Asswehly, making him the league's top scorer.
Previously, Traore was linked with Wydad Athletic of Morocco, but that deal fell through, opening the door for Yanga to enter the race for the talented forward.
Yanga has already sold their star midfielder Stephane Aziz Ki, and reports suggest that young striker Clement Mzize may also be on his way out. In addition, Kennedy Musonda is expected to leave once his contract expires at the end of the season. These departures are pushing Yanga to sign at least two new strikers to keep their attacking line strong.
Currently, the club is also being linked with Jonathan Sowah, the forward from Singida Black Stars, who is reportedly on the radar of Yanga’s technical bench as part of their plans to reinforce the squad.