OGC Nice are delighted to announce the arrival of 24-year-old Youssouf Ndayishimiye from Istanbul Başakşehir FK.

Le Gym and the Istanbul-based club have reached an agreement for the permanent transfer of the 17-time Burundi international, who put pen to paper today. “Youssouf is a versatile player capable of playing in central defence and in midfield,” described Florent Ghisolfi, Le Gym’s sporting director, before adding, “Youssouf will give us squad depth. He’s a complete player and is highly committed and competitive. He matches the values and the identity that we want to give the team.”

Ndayishimiye leaves the banks of the Bosporus after making 74 appearances for Başakşehir, scoring eight goals. A key figure in the team currently sat third in the Turkish Süper Lig, the right-footer has started 28 matches this season: 17 in the league (scoring four goals), 10 in the UEFA Europa Conference League (scoring three goals) and one in the Turkish Cup, contributing to his side’s excellent run in the competition whilst also helping them through to the last 16 of the UECL, just like OGC Nice. “Youssouf’s arrival corresponds to two aims: to perform well in the second half of the season and to prepare for the future,” added Fabrice Bocquet. “We have great prospects and big challenges in common; he has all of our faith, and we hope that he feels welcome!”, rounded off Le Gym’s CEO.

Before being signed by Başakşehir in early 2021, Ndayishimiye plied his trade for another Turkish top-flight outfit, Yeni Malatyaspor, where he made 29 appearances and scored three goals. Previously, the Bujumbura native had been playing for Burundian side Aigle Noir FC.

J-M. Ponte