Rodez Aveyron Football experienced a highly active end to the transfer window this Tuesday, confirming one arrival, one departure, and a surprise signing. Striker Kelian Nsona joins the club on a three-year deal, while top scorer Ibrahima Baldé departs for Lorient and winger Marco Essimi arrives according to Morning Foot.
Who is new striker Kelian Nsona?
Kelian Nsona, a 24-year-old forward, has signed a three-year contract with Rodez from Portuguese side Casa Pia AC. Rodez Aveyron Football announced this transfer, which adds power and speed to the attacking line. Trained at Caen, Nsona earned 19 caps for French youth teams and made his professional Ligue 2 debut in 2019.
His career path then took him to Germany with Hertha Berlin, on loan to Slovakia, and then to the Netherlands with FC Emmen. There, he regained consistent form with 38 appearances and 13 goals in the Eredivisie. His season in Portugal was more challenging, with only 11 appearances, but Rodez is betting on his potential to strengthen their attack. The club, currently fourth in the table with seven points, aims to maintain its strong start to the season.
Why is Ibrahima Baldé leaving Rodez?
Ibrahima Baldé, the all-time top scorer for RAF in Ligue 2, has left the club for FC Lorient. Rodez Aveyron Football confirmed a loan deal with an obligatory purchase option for the 27-year-old striker. Baldé had scored 25 goals in just over two seasons in Aveyron, becoming a key figure in the squad.
His departure comes after a thunderous start to the season where he netted five goals in only four matches. These performances convinced the Ligue 1 club to recruit him. RAF thanked the player for his exemplary attitude and wished him well for the future. His exit leaves an offensive gap that the new recruits must fill, especially as the team has already scored ten goals this campaign.
How will Marco Essimi strengthen the wing?
According to an exclusive report from Morning Foot, winger Marco Essimi is set to sign for Rodez after a brief stint in Portugal. The 26-year-old Cameroonian international leaves Alverca just weeks after his arrival for a return to Ligue 2. He joins RAF on a free transfer, with a sell-on percentage for his former club.
Data from his last season at Dunkerque reveals an efficient finisher. In 19 matches averaging 60 minutes, he scored five goals and provided three assists. His performance index places him among the best goal-scoring wingers in the championship. He particularly impresses with his shot conversion rate and his interesting defensive contribution. This versatile profile could be an asset for the technical staff.
What is Rodez's current sporting context?
These moves come as Rodez holds a strong fourth place in Ligue 2. The team has gathered seven points from four matchdays, with two wins, one draw, and one loss, and a recent form of DWLW. They have scored ten goals while conceding seven, for a positive goal difference of three.
The club sits five points behind leaders Saint-Étienne and is already preparing for its next trip. Rodez will face Metz, seventh in the table, away on September 5, 2026. You can check all upcoming fixtures on our fixtures page and follow the table on standings. The rapid integration of the new players will be key for this important match.
Kelian Nsona's three-year contract represents a medium-term commitment for the Aveyron club.
