Cédric Bakambu has spent the last 10 or so years of his career starring in leagues in China, Turkey, and Spain. After not playing in Ligue 1 in France for the last decade, he is back and doing what he does best – scoring goals.
Bakambu signed a deal in early January with Olympique de Marseille – a deal that should see him remain with the team through to 2024. He appeared as a sub in his first match back, coming on in the 75th minute. Just two minutes later, he scored his first goal with his new club. This helped Olympique de Marseille finish off a 2-0 victory over RC Lens.
Bakambu spent time in Turkey after leaving France at age 23 and scored 13 goals his first season there. That helped him jump to La Liga in Spain, where he played for Villarreal, scoring 31 goals in three seasons. He followed that up by signing a lucrative deal to play in the Chinese Super League for Beijing Guoan. During his four years in China, he scored 58 goals and won a cup.
Bakambu, who was raised in France, said this about being back after his signing: “Since I went away, I have gained experience, I am 30 now, and I am a father. I have traveled and played in great atmospheres in Turkey and in Spain. I am better equipped now”.
At one point while playing in China, his play garnered interest from FC Barcelona, and there were serious talks of a deal. It never came to fruition, but Marseille are hoping he can find that same form that piqued Barcelona’s interest.
Marseille has the worst offense of any top seven league team, but with Bakambu back and already scoring goals, the hope is that he can help elevate their attack to compete for a top-four spot in France.
