Alhassan Wakaso
Alhassan Wakaso’s fine season in Portugal has attracted interest from other clubs, with Toulouse believed to be keen on signing the Rio Ave man.
According to Foot Mercato, Les Roses are keen on signing the 23-year-old this summer.
Wakaso moved to Rio Ave in 2013 after learning his trade with Portuguese lower-league side Portimonense. He was loaned back to his former club last year, before truly coming into his own with the Rio Grande this term.
The midfielder enjoyed an encouraging campaign in Portugal this term; he featured 29 times in the Liga Sagres—making 26 starts—whilst also enjoying four outings in the Portuguese Cup.
His consistent performances in Portugal also helped Rio Ave to a 10th-placed finish.
He also enjoyed a taste of European football and featured five times as Pedro Martins’s side ousted Goteborg and Elfsborg in the qualifying rounds before falling in the group stage.
Wakaso delivered a series of encouraging performances in Europe, and averaged 2.8 tackles-per-match in the competition, according to WhoScored.
However, the midfielder has only one year left on his contract, and may be tempted by a move to Ligue 1—a division that enjoys a higher profile than Portugal’s top flight.
However, should he move to Le TFC, he will be joining a club coming off the back of a troubled campaign.
Dominique Arribage replaced Alain Casanova and managed to save the club from relegation, although Toulouse ended the year in 17th place, only five points clear of the drop zone.
Should he move to the Stade Municipal, Wakaso may be a youthful replacement for popular veteran midfielder Pantxi Sirieix, who is out of contract at the club this summer.
Spanish duo Celta Vigo and Real Betis have both previously been linked with the midfielder.
