Mohamed Bayo has left Lille permanently and will continue his career in Turkiye after completing a move to Samsunspor, the French club have announced.
The 28-year-old Guinea international departs Lille after a spell in which he fell out of favour at the club. Although Bayo still had one year remaining on his contract with Les Dogues, the forward is now beginning a new chapter in the Super Lig.
Bayo spent last season on loan at Gaziantep, where he gained experience in Turkiye’s top flight. His move to Samsunspor will keep him in the same competition, but this time the transfer is permanent rather than another temporary arrangement.
The deal brings to an end Bayo’s time in northern France. Lille no longer regarded him as a central part of their plans, allowing the player to seek a fresh opportunity with Samsunspor.
Bayo, who is valued at €4.5m by Transfermarkt, will now look to establish himself with his new club and revive his career in the Super Lig. The Guinea forward leaves France after failing to secure a lasting place in Lille’s first-team plans.
His departure follows last season’s loan spell at Gaziantep and represents a definitive change in direction for the player. Rather than returning to Lille or moving elsewhere on loan, Bayo has committed himself to Samsunspor on a full transfer.
The move also means he will remain in Turkiye, where he has already spent a season adapting to the demands of the Super Lig. Samsunspor will hope the striker can build on that experience and make a significant contribution in his next phase.
Lille are due to play the second leg of their opening UEFA Champions League fixture against Real Betis shortly. Ahead of that match, betting company 1xbet listed Lille as the favourites, with the French side priced at 2.25 to win. A draw was quoted at 3.60, while Real Betis were priced at 3.07.
Bayo’s transfer therefore comes as Lille prepare for that European meeting without a forward who had no longer featured prominently in their plans. The Guinea international will instead focus on making an impact in Samsunspor colours and securing a regular role in Turkiye.