A regional league newcomer from the Lower Rhine region has announced a transfer coup: a long-time professional from Borussia Mönchengladbach is coming.

These are very special times for DJK Gnadental. The team from Neuss has been promoted to the regional league for the first time in its history. And now the newcomer is sending a strong message to its competitors in the Lower Rhine league 1. The Gnadental team has signed long-time Bundesliga pro Ibrahima Traoré, as announced on its social media channels.

The 37-year-old offensive player had already ended his professional career in 2021. Four years later, he is returning to the pitch and will play for DJK Gnadental against teams such as Kosova Düsseldorf, TVD Velbert, and Union Nettetal.

“We are delighted to welcome Ibrahima Traoré to our club!” said the DJK’s Instagram account. “With his experience, understanding of the game and strong personality, Ibo is a great asset – not only on the pitch but also off it. We look forward to working with him and to the exciting projects that lie ahead!”

The French-born player, who has played 49 international matches for Guinea, has had quite a career. He came to Hertha BSC from France in 2007 and made the leap to the professional ranks via the second team. Traoré then signed with FC Augsburg and VfB Stuttgart. However, he spent most of his time at Borussia Mönchengladbach. He played for the club from the Lower Rhine for seven years from 2014 and qualified for the Champions League three times with Gladbach. Traoré can look back on a total of 175 Bundesliga appearances, scoring twelve goals and providing 29 assists. He also played 46 games in the second division (eight goals, 16 assists), twelve games in the Champions League and 17 in the Europa League (two goals). Traoré is now returning to the pitch not far from Gladbach, playing for Landesliga newcomers DJK Gnadental.