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Mamadou Thierno Barry to Al Shabab

Quiet since 25 July 2026. Last report: Sacha Tavolieri. Probability when it went quiet: 13%.

Union Saint-Gilloise centre-back Mamadou Thierno Barry looks a target for Al Shabab, with the Saudi club reportedly pushing hard to get a deal done. The claim is that talks are already advanced, with Union and Al Shabab discussing terms for a permanent transfer, and that Barry himself is open to the switch. The 21 year old Senegal international only signed with Union until 2029, so any move now would be well ahead of his contract running down. This one comes from a single voice so far. Sacha Tavolieri broke the story, and he carries reasonable standing in the market, but nothing here has been picked up or confirmed by a second outlet yet. Until another reporter corroborates the framing, this sits as one credible tip rather than a story with weight behind it. The chance here is a long shot for now. Barry only has a market value of around €1m, and the fee being floated, between €1m and €2m, is modest, so the money itself should not be the obstacle. What is holding this back is the early stage of any talks and the fact only one source has named it. For this to move, Union would need to signal they are willing to sell a player still four years into his deal. Barry's own history gives context. Union paid Tromsø IL €3m to sign him, and Tromsø themselves picked him up for nothing from Academy Mawade Wade. Set against that €3m arrival fee, a €1m to €2m exit would represent a loss for Union rather than a profit. Watch for whether a second reporter picks up the story, or whether Union confirm they have opened talks. A concrete bid from Al Shabab would be the next real marker.

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