Gambian midfielder Ebrima Darboe has completed his medical ahead of a permanent move to Serie B side Bari FC, marking the end of his six-year association with AS Roma, Footy-Africa can exclusively confirm.
The 23-year-old will join the Rossoblu on a free transfer, with Roma retaining a sell-on clause in the deal—ensuring they receive a percentage of any future transfer fee should Darboe move on from Bari.
Darboe’s journey to professional football is nothing short of remarkable. Born in The Gambia, he made a treacherous journey to Europe as a teenager in search of a better life. His resilience and talent saw him rise through the ranks of Italian football, eventually joining Roma’s youth setup in 2018. He quickly impressed in the Primavera (U-19) team and earned promotion to the first team, making his senior debut in 2021 under then-manager Paulo Fonseca.
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Despite the promise he showed early on, competition for places at Roma saw Darboe spend time on loan to further his development. He had spells at Austrian side LASK, Serie A outfit Sampdoria, and most recently Frosinone, gaining valuable experience across different leagues.
Now at Bari, Darboe will be hoping for consistent game time and a chance to re-establish himself as a key midfielder. The move represents a fresh start for the Gambian international, who still has plenty of potential to fulfil. For Bari, the signing is seen as a low-risk, high-reward acquisition, bringing in a technically gifted and versatile player with Serie A experience.
Ebrima Darboe Set to Leave AS Roma for Bari on a Permanent Deal
Darboe’s departure also closes a significant chapter for Roma, who signed him as a teenager and watched him grow into a professional. While he leaves on a free transfer, the inclusion of a sell-on clause hints at the club’s belief in his long-term value.
As he begins this new phase in his career, fans will be watching closely to see if Darboe can make the impact many have long expected from him.
