Senegalese striker Dame Gueye is set to remain with Le Mans this season after failing to agree terms with several clubs interested in signing him.
The 31-year-old had been keen to leave the French club this summer after scoring 10 goals in Ligue 2 last season. However, despite receiving interest from clubs in Cyprus, Greece and Turkey, no move has materialised.
Le Mans had been willing to allow Gueye to leave and had accepted several offers for the striker, with the club hoping to receive about €150,000 from his transfer. But the player did not agree to any of the proposals, leaving him on course to continue his career with the Sarthe-based side.
One of the clubs to make a serious attempt to sign Gueye was Turkish side Bodrumspor.
The club submitted an offer in recent days, but the move eventually collapsed after what was described as a late response from the Senegalese forward.
Bodrumspor subsequently ended their pursuit of Gueye and turned their attention to experienced Cameroon international Vincent Aboubakar instead.
The development means Gueye is now expected to stay at Le Mans despite his earlier desire to seek a new challenge.
Interest in the striker had come from several parts of Europe. Clubs from Cyprus and Greece had explored the possibility of signing him, while Turkish clubs also showed interest.
AEL Limassol were among the clubs whose offers had been accepted by Le Mans. However, although the French club was prepared to sanction a transfer, the proposed moves ultimately depended on Gueye agreeing to leave.
That did not happen.
The situation highlights the difference between a club accepting a transfer proposal and a player agreeing personal terms.
In Gueye’s case, Le Mans had indicated its willingness to sell, but the available opportunities did not convince the striker.
Bodrumspor’s pursuit appeared to be the most recent possibility.
The Turkish club’s decision to move for Aboubakar after abandoning the Gueye deal has now effectively closed another route out of Le Mans for the Senegalese forward.
Gueye’s return from a productive Ligue 2 campaign had initially created expectations that he could move elsewhere during the current transfer window. His 10 goals last season made him an attractive option for clubs looking for an experienced attacking player.
However, the offers from Cyprus, Greece and Turkey failed to produce an agreement.
With the transfer window approaching its conclusion, Gueye is therefore expected to remain in France and continue his spell with Le Mans.
The club had hoped to raise around €150,000 from his departure, but will now have to plan for the new campaign with the Senegalese striker still on its books.
