Gambian forward Abdoulie Manneh has officially completed his move to Belgian top-flight club Cercle Brugge on an initial loan deal with an obligation to buy, confirming the destination as Cercle rather than Club Brugge as reported by several media outlets.
The transfer is valued at approximately €5.5 million, including bonuses, making it one of the biggest moves of the Gambian forward’s career.
Manneh arrives from Swedish champions Mjällby AIF after three seasons with the club, during which he made 76 appearances and scored 14 goals. He played an important role in Mjällby’s historic 2025/26 campaign, helping the club secure its first-ever Swedish league title.
The 21-year-old had previously been linked with moves to Greek giants Olympiacos and English Championship side Birmingham City, but both attempts ultimately failed to materialise. His management believe the Cercle Brugge opportunity was worth the wait.
“This is a deal that cannot be ignored. We have had setbacks but this deal was worth it and we decided easily to go for it,” the source exclusively told Footy-Africa.
The move also forms part of a broader long-term plan involving Cercle Brugge and French Ligue 1 side AS Monaco, who share the same ownership.
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Manneh was initially considered for a move directly to Monaco, but the club eventually decided that the Belgian side would provide a more competitive environment for his development before potentially making the step up to France.
“They were interested to take him to Monaco in French Ligue 1, but they later decided to allow him to have some high-level development with Brugge as they are all the same owners. There is a long-term plan for him.”
The loan structure was agreed partly because Mjällby wanted to retain some rights over the player for the time being.
“Mjällby wants to retain some of his rights for now and so, decided to go with a loan and obligation to buy,” the source added.
For Manneh, the move represents a fresh opportunity to continue his development at a higher level after helping Mjällby achieve a historic league triumph.
Cercle Brugge will now provide the Gambian forward with a new platform to test himself in Belgian football, with the long-term objective potentially leading to an eventual move to Monaco and Ligue 1.
