The Malian international defender, Falaye Sacko, has officially joined the Azerbaijani club Neftçi PFK, bringing his time with Montpellier HSC to an end.
Released with one year remaining on his contract with the French club, he signed a two-year deal with an option for a third season, valid until June 30, 2027. This signing marks an important step in the career of the 30-year-old right-back, who will now experience his sixth professional league after Mali, Belgium, Hungary, Portugal, and France.
Falaye Sacko joined Montpellier in 2023 after a convincing spell at AS Saint-Étienne but could not prevent Montpellier from being relegated to Ligue 2 at the end of the last season. Having made 55 appearances for the Hérault club, scoring one goal and providing several assists, Sacko was courted by several clubs this summer, including Kasimpasa in Turkey, Maccabi Tel Aviv in Israel, and Queens Park Rangers in England. Ultimately, the ambitious sporting project of Neftçi PFK, combined with attractive financial terms, convinced the Malian defender to commit to the Baku-based team.
Neftçi PFK, which finished 6th in the last Azerbaijani league season, is counting on Sacko’s experience and defensive solidity to strengthen its squad for national competitions and upcoming European fixtures. The player will receive an annual salary of around 300,000 euros, a significant amount reflecting the importance the club places on his recruitment.
With this transfer, Falaye Sacko starts a new chapter in a career rich with multicultural and international experiences. The Malian will bring his expertise and defensive versatility to an ambitious team eager to progress in the Azerbaijani league and on the continental stage. His fans and observers will follow his progress with interest in this still little-publicized but promising championship.
