Belgium side Gent have completed the transfer of Senegalese striker Moctar Diop from Norwegian club Lillestrom, marking the first move abroad of the young forward’s career.
Diop began his career at Aalesund in the Norwegian league, before joining Lillestrom after finding playing time hard to come by. The 21-year-old played a key role in helping the club secure immediate promotion back to the Norwegian top-flight last season and was also instrumental in their successful Norwegian Cup campaign in 2025, scoring four times from seven appearances in the competition.
Gent have paid a total of €1 million including performance-related add-ons to complete the transfer of the exciting youngster, who has penned a contract at the club until 2029 and will wear the number 19 jersey.
The Buffalos have identified the striker as a long-term investment who has room for improvement. His presence and physical ability to lead the line will also add a new dimension to the club’s attack especially in set-piece situations where his height would give him more advantage.
𝙉𝙚𝙬 𝙙𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 📦
1m93, Striker, Buffalo. Bienvenue, Moctar!
MEER | https://t.co/UCpdniIs3X pic.twitter.com/M937ieSOok
— KAA Gent (@KAAGent) January 23, 2026
Transfer fee and contract details
Gent will pay a total transfer fee of about €1 million including add-ons to bring the exciting forward to Belgium, where he has penned a three-and-a-half year deal until June 2029.
Lillestrom have also secured a sell-on clause, ensuring that they receive a percentage of any future transfer after Gent sealed the signature following their failure to land Nigeria forward Rafiu Durosinmi.
How much will Diop earn at Gent
Moctar Diop earned about €560 per week during his time at Lillestrom and is set to receive a significant upgrade in his pay, taking his annual earnings to well above €29,000.
The young striker will earn well above €100,000 during the course of his contract at the club, with their total investments set to be above €1 million which is a very good value considering his age and potential.
𝙁𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙖𝙣𝙣𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 👀
📸 I https://t.co/bB2PxONKQe pic.twitter.com/hmMbVH9jxD
— KAA Gent (@KAAGent) January 23, 2026
From Norway to Belgium
Diop made a name for himself at Lillestrom, contributing to their successes in the First Division and also in the 2025 Norwegian Cup.
Now set for a new chapter in his young career, the 21-year-old will be hoping to make his mark in Belgium with strong performances which could set him up for a bigger move in the future.
