What truly unfolded between Racing Club de Strasbourg and Senegalese defender Ibrahima Ba? The deal appeared finalized late last week, with the player set to join the Alsace-based club. Yet, just as the ink was about to dry, the transfer collapsed without warning.
The agent representing Ba, speaking through a public statement, dismissed the club’s claim that a failed medical examination was the reason for the collapse. Instead, the representative hinted at deeper issues. On social media, the agent posted a cryptic message late Friday: “I will not tolerate lies when it comes to my player.”
“A 33% annual salary cut was the real dealbreaker”
The agent, identified as Alioune, later elaborated in a detailed statement. “When the contract was presented, we discovered a 33% reduction in the annual salary compared to our original agreement. Lies escalated while truth took a backseat,” he alleged. The sudden financial disparity raised immediate concerns.
According to the agent, Ba underwent four to five hours of medical tests, all of which were reported as successful. The player was even scheduled for media obligations before the deal unraveled. “Only after we refused to sign a contract with a reduced salary did the club suddenly raise health concerns. After hours of waiting, we returned to Portugal. By then, media outlets were already reporting Ba had failed his medical—an outright fabrication,” the agent stated.
The agent didn’t stop there. He also criticized Strasbourg’s financial practices, referencing the club’s recent UEFA fine for excessive spending. “If financial fair play has hit you with a hefty penalty, don’t blame us,” he remarked, suggesting external pressures may have influenced the club’s decision.
Could this transfer still happen?
With the transfer now in limbo, doubts linger over Ba’s future with Strasbourg. The situation echoes a similar case from last summer, when Julio Enciso’s move to Strasbourg was briefly derailed by medical complications before ultimately going through. Could history repeat itself?
