Gambian teenage prospect Abdoulie Njie has taken a major step in his career after signing a three-year permanent contract with Turkish Super League side Istanbul Basaksehir FK. The talented youngster joins the Istanbul-based club from E Sohna Football Academy, marking another significant success story for Gambian youth development.
Speaking on the deal, his manager and head of the Academy, Ebrima Sohna, expressed pride in the player’s qualities and the process that led to the transfer.
“Abdoulie is a very talented kid,” Sohna exclusively told Footy-Africa. “He is intelligent, quick, and very good at dribbling with speed. These are qualities that modern football demands, and Istanbul Basaksehir saw that clearly.”
Sohna explained that the transfer was made possible through established relationships built from previous player movements to Turkey. Players such as Albert Ajua, Jassey, and Sellou Jallow had earlier been sent for trials, with Ajua successfully earning a move. These pathways helped strengthen trust between Turkish clubs and E Sohna Football Academy.
“Because of the players we had moved before, it became easier to connect Abdoulie,” Sohna noted. “We sent his highlights, they reviewed them, and after careful assessment, they decided they wanted him.”
✍️🏻 Kulübümüz, altyapı oyuncularımızdan Gambiyalı Abdoulie Njie ile 3 yıllık profesyonel sözleşme imzalamıştır.
Sözleşmenin kulübümüz ve oyuncumuz adına hayırlı olmasını temenni ediyor, Njie’e başarılarının devamını diliyoruz. pic.twitter.com/41Fta4vpya
— İstanbul Başakşehir Akademi (@ibfkAkademi) January 21, 2026
According to Sohna, events moved swiftly once Njie arrived in Turkey. Within two days, discussions intensified, negotiations were concluded, and a permanent deal was finalized.
“Everything happened very fast after his arrival,” he added. “We negotiated until we finalised the deal, and now they are very happy with our academy.”
Njie’s move highlights the growing reputation of Gambian academies in producing players capable of attracting interest from top European leagues.
The signing is not only a personal milestone for Njie but also a boost for Gambian football, reinforcing the country’s growing presence on the international stage. As he begins his journey in one of Europe’s competitive leagues, expectations will be high for the young attacker to continue his development and make his mark with Istanbul Basaksehir FK.
