Transfer Tracker

Minnesota United targeting French center back Bakaye Dibassy, according to report

Heath confirms interest in French defender

Bakaye Dibassy - in a challenge - Ligue 1

TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS:Report


UPDATE (July 16): Minnesota United manager Adrian Heath confirmed interest in Ligue 1 defender Bakaye Dibassy Thursday after it was previously reported in the Saint Paul Pioneer Press earlier this week.


"It's somebody that we've had our eye on for obviously quite a while now," Heath said of Dibassy, who is currently on the books at Amiens, during a conference call. "He can play both positions, left back and left side center back. He's played both a lot of times in France. ... We just think he'll be a big utility piece. We're hopeful that we can get it sorted in the next day or two. And if he does, I think he'll be a quality addition to the squad."


With Ike Opara already out for the MLS is Back Tournament group stage, Heath said part of the concern was what his squad would look like with another injury at the position. That said, he likened Dibassy's skills to that of another Ligue 1 import to the Loons.


"Very similar characteristics to Romain Metanire in terms of some physical tools that he has," Heath said.




Minnesota United are interested in signing Bakaye Dibassy, a center back with Amiens of France's Ligue 1, according to a report Monday from the Saint Paul Pioneer Press.


Dibassy has spent the past three seasons as a regular starter for the Ligue 1 side, which was in a relegation battle before the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the season being suspended in March. Amiens remain in the top flight next season after a court decision disallowed relegation based on an incomplete competition.


The Paris-born Mali international will turn 31 next month. He was previously targeted by D.C. United in February, according to The Washington Post. Before Amiens won promotion for the 2017-18 season Dibassy had never previously played in the top flight. He has 88 career Ligue 1 appearances.