Lecce will follow up the signing of Omri Gandelman with a swoop for Togo midfielder Sadik Fofana, according to reports.
On Friday, Lecce confirmed Gandelman’s arrival, the Israeli midfielder joining from Belgian side Gent on a deal until 2029.
However, the Giallorossi could soon make a second transfer announcement in quick succession, with the Fofana deal reportedly done.
Lecce strike Sadik Fofana deal until 2028 with two-year option
On Friday morning, Nicolo Schira reported that Lecce had completed a deal for Fofana from Austrian Bundesliga side Grazer AK.
The transfer insider claimed the Salentini will sign the 22-year-old on a contract until 2028, with an option until 2030.
🔜 Done Deal and confirmed! Sadik #Fofana to #Lecce from #GrazerAK. Contract until 2028 with the option for 2030. #transfers
— Nicolò Schira (@NicoSchira) January 9, 2026
Lecce confirmed Gandelman’s arrival on Friday afternoon, but judging by the speculation, it won’t be long before an announcement on Fofana does the rounds.
Concrete speculation between Lecce and Wiktor Staszak, a young Polish midfielder, has also been doing the rounds of late.
What Sadik Fofana can bring to Lecce
Fofana is a tall, physically imposing player who largely features in defensive midfield but can also play at centre-back.
The 6ft 4in powerhouse is known for his strong aerial ability, defensive contributions, and work in shielding the backline.
Fofana came through the ranks in Germany and reached Bayer Leverkusen’s first-team squad under Xabi Alonso.
While he didn’t make a senior appearance for Leverkusen, he built his career through fruitful loan spells in Europe.
Fofana featured for Nurnberg in the 2. Bundesliga and Dutch side Fortuna Sittard, where he played as a deep-lying midfielder in a three.
Since January 2025, he has played in Austria for Grazer AK, often as the player sitting in front of the defence in a 3-1-4-2.
Internationally, Fofana represented Germany at youth level before switching to Togo, quickly becoming part of the senior set-up.
#120:
Togo🇹🇬❌0-2 Loss vs Mauritania🇲🇷
✅1-0 Win vs Sudan🇸🇩
Sadik Fofana⚽️–
Togo🇹🇬 finally grab a win in this group, and they crush any hopes Sudan🇸🇩 still had to do so. pic.twitter.com/BKdGyijZ8N
— The International Break (@InternatBreak) September 17, 2025
For Eusebio Di Francesco, a midfielder like Fofana could fit the 4-3-3 as the pivot, protecting the back line and helping Lecce stay organised.
He can operate as a deep-lying midfielder, providing physicality, coverage, and tactical order.
Fofana could also adapt to different formations thanks to his experience in different systems.
