Samuel Kotto has completed a permanent move to Stade de Reims after the French side activated the purchase option included in his loan deal from KAA Gent.
The Cameroon international has signed a contract running until June 2030, ending months of uncertainty surrounding his future after a strong second half of the season in France.
Reims confirmed the agreement on Friday, rewarding the 22-year-old central defender for a series of performances that quickly established him as one of the club’s key players following his arrival in January.
Kotto joined the French side on loan after a successful Africa Cup of Nations campaign and immediately became a regular in the starting line-up.
He featured in all 15 possible Ligue 2 matches, starting every game and helping the club keep eight clean sheets during that period.
The defender also recorded 87 interceptions, underlining the impact he made in Reims’ back line despite the club ultimately failing to achieve their objective of returning to Ligue 1.
After signing his new deal, Kotto spoke openly about his determination to help the club bounce back next season.
“I’m truly happy to continue this adventure here. I sincerely thank the club, the President, and the staff for the trust they’ve placed in me. I’ll do everything I can to justify that trust, match after match, in this jersey.”
The Cameroonian added that his first few months in France had accelerated his development.
“These first six months have been incredibly enriching. I’ve had the opportunity to play in every match, to immerse myself in the club’s culture, and to understand what Reims represents in French football.
“We didn’t achieve our objective at the end of the season, a disappointment I share with the entire team. But it only strengthens my resolve for next season.”
Kotto also made his ambitions for the coming campaign clear.
“My goal is simple: to help bring this club back to Ligue 1 while continuing to improve. I want to be an important part of the team, both on and off the pitch, to help us achieve promotion.”
The move represents another significant milestone in the rapid rise of the young defender, who began his football journey at APEJES in Mfou, Yaoundé.
From there, Kotto moved to Sweden, where he made his Allsvenskan debut in 2024 with IFK Varnamo before earning a transfer to Belgian side Gent.
His progress has continued steadily since then, with Reims now committing to him on a long-term basis despite reported interest from other clubs, including AS Saint-Etienne and several Ligue 1 sides.
At international level, his performances have also strengthened his position with Cameroon national football team, earning him another call-up to the Indomitable Lions in March.
