Stade de Reims Officially Sign Mali Starlet Seydou Dembele Despite Interest from Chelsea, Man United and Barcelona

Stade de Reims have officially completed the signing of highly rated Mali youngster Seydou Dembele from the JMG Bamako Academy, beating competition from several European giants for the 18-year-old midfielder.

Dembele has signed the first professional contract of his career with the French club, marking an important step in his development.

The young Malian attracted widespread attention during the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar, where he impressed with Mali’s youth side.

Dembele scored two goals and provided four assists in five appearances at the tournament, finishing as the competition’s top scorer and quickly emerging as one of Africa’s most exciting young talents.

His performances reportedly attracted interest from Chelsea, Manchester United and Barcelona, but Reims have ultimately won the race for his signature.