Ivorian defender Habib Sylla has secured a new challenge in European football after signing for Romanian Super League side Otelul Galati on a free transfer.
The 27-year-old right-back joins the Romanian club after the expiration of his contract with Portuguese side UD Leiria and has signed a deal that will keep him at Otelul Galati for the next two seasons.
The move was announced by the Romanian club on its official Instagram account, with Sylla already arriving in Galati and taking part in his first training session with his new teammates.
For the Ivory Coast international, the transfer marks the latest chapter in a professional career that has been built entirely in Portugal, where he developed his reputation as an energetic and attack-minded defender.
Born in Agboville, Ivory Coast, Sylla came through the youth ranks of Portuguese club Vitória Guimarães before embarking on a senior career that saw him represent several clubs across the country.
His journey included spells with Marinhense, União de Leiria and GD Chaves, where he gained valuable experience and established himself as a reliable option on the right side of defence.
Otelul Galati described Sylla as a modern full-back, highlighting his pace, ability to win duels and willingness to contribute in attacking areas.
The Romanian club believes those qualities will strengthen its squad as it prepares for the upcoming campaign.
Sylla enjoyed one of the most productive periods of his career during the 2021-22 season with União de Leiria. He played an important role in the club’s successful promotion campaign, contributing three goals and four assists from defence.
His performances during that season helped him earn an opportunity in Portugal’s top flight with GD Chaves.
The defender subsequently spent two seasons competing at a higher level, adding top-flight experience to his growing résumé before eventually returning to União de Leiria.
After his contract expired in June 2026, Sylla became available on a free transfer, paving the way for his move to Romania.
At 27, the Ivorian arrives at Otelul Galati with significant European experience and enters what many consider the prime years of his career.
The transfer also represents another positive development for African footballers continuing to make their mark across European leagues.
While attention often focuses on players in Europe’s elite competitions, moves such as Sylla’s underline the growing presence and influence of African talent throughout the continent’s professional football landscape.
Otelul Galati will hope the defender’s experience in Portugal, combined with his attacking instincts and defensive versatility, can help the club achieve its objectives over the coming seasons.
For Sylla, meanwhile, the move offers an opportunity to test himself in a new footballing environment and continue his European journey after spending his entire professional career in Portugal.
