Barcelona in talks to sign €50M midfielder Christ Inao Oulaï from Trabzonspor
The 20-year-old Ivory Coast international has seen his valuation skyrocket nearly tenfold since joining the Turkish club less than a year ago
FC Barcelona is reportedly in negotiations to land Christ Ravynel Inao Oulaï, a 20-year-old Ivory Coast midfielder currently at Trabzonspor, in a deal that could reach €50 million. That price tag represents a staggering markup from the €5.5 million Trabzonspor paid to sign him just last August.
From JMG Academy to Europe’s biggest shopping list
Born on April 6, 2006, Oulaï came through the JMG Academy in Ivory Coast before his first stop in Europe at Bastia in France, where he logged 16 appearances and scored once. Then Trabzonspor signed him for €5.5 million on August 22, 2025.
In his debut Turkish Super Lig campaign, Oulaï has racked up 25 appearances, contributing 2 goals and 4 assists through the 2025-26 season. His performances for the Ivory Coast at the 2026 World Cup have apparently been the real catalyst for the current transfer interest.
Barcelona isn’t the only suitor
While Barcelona appears to be leading the charge, Chelsea, Tottenham, and PSG have all been linked with Oulaï. As of June 2026, no official negotiations have been confirmed between Barcelona and Trabzonspor, and reports remain speculative.
The valuation question
Trabzonspor’s €50 million asking price reflects that they have only recently acquired Oulaï and face no pressure to sell. A sale at even €35 to €40 million would represent an enormous return on their €5.5 million original investment.