Former Senegal international Cheikhou Kouyaté could be set for a return to European football, with Belgian side Anderlecht reportedly considering a move for the experienced midfielder during the upcoming transfer window.
The 36-year-old is currently without a club following the termination of his contract with Turkish outfit Amed SK, and interest from Belgium may offer him a fresh opportunity to extend his career on the continent.
According to reports, Anderlecht are exploring the possibility of adding Kouyaté to their setup, specifically with the intention of strengthening their reserve side, RSCA Futures.
The team competes in Belgium’s second-tier Challenger Pro League, and the club is believed to be targeting experienced figures who can provide leadership and stability within a developing squad.
For Kouyaté, such a move would represent a significant step after a period of uncertainty.
Once valued at €12 million in 2016, his market value has dropped considerably in recent years, now standing at around €150,000.
Despite that decline, his wealth of experience at both club and international level continues to make him an attractive option.
The Senegalese midfielder featured nine times during the 2025–2026 season but did not register a goal or assist. His limited impact in that campaign reflects a challenging period in his career, but a potential switch to Anderlecht could offer a platform to rebuild momentum.
Kouyaté’s pedigree remains notable.
Over more than a decade with the Senegal national team, he earned recognition as a reliable and versatile presence in midfield.
Making his debut in 2012 at the age of 22, he went on to represent his country at multiple major tournaments, including two FIFA World Cups in 2018 and 2022.
He was also part of the Senegal squad that lifted the Africa Cup of Nations title in 2021, a landmark achievement in the nation’s football history.
Across his international career, which spanned until 2024, Kouyaté featured in four AFCON tournaments and played a key role in the team’s evolution into one of Africa’s strongest sides.
His most recent World Cup appearance came in Qatar in 2022, where he started Senegal’s opening match against the Netherlands.
However, a hamstring injury sustained during that game ruled him out of the remainder of the tournament.
Now approaching the latter stages of his playing career, Kouyaté faces an important decision about his next move.
A switch to Anderlecht, if finalized, would not only keep him in European football but also allow him to contribute his experience to a younger generation of players.
