Cheikhou Kouyaté is officially no longer a player for Amedspor. The Turkish club announced on Tuesday that they have amicably terminated the contract with the Senegalese midfielder, ending a partnership that began just a few months ago.
The news had been circulating behind the scenes for several days, but it has now been confirmed officially. In a statement posted on their social media, Amedspor, current leaders of the Turkish Second Division (Trendyol 1. Lig), announced they reached a mutual agreement with the player to end their contractual engagement. This decision comes less than five months after the player arrived in Turkey.
Arriving in September 2025, Cheikhou Kouyaté joined Amedspor with a clear ambition to revive his career after a long period without competition. At 36, the former captain of the Senegalese Lions hoped to regain his rhythm and bring his experience to a club seeking promotion. However, his time in Turkey will be very brief.
On the sporting front, the record is rather modest. Kouyaté played only nine matches across all competitions, including eight in the league. Despite his experience and recognized leadership, the former Senegal international couldn’t establish himself permanently in the team’s rotation. The exact reasons for this separation have not been detailed by the club, but all signs indicate that the expectations of both parties were not fully met.
This Turkish experience contrasts with Cheikhou Kouyaté’s rich European career. Before joining Amedspor, the defensive midfielder had built a solid reputation in the English Premier League, where he played for West Ham United, Crystal Palace, and Nottingham Forest. Known for his physical impact, versatility, and positioning sense, he was long a respected figure in England.
On the international stage, Kouyaté remains a prominent figure in Senegalese football. A former captain of the Lions, he was especially crowned African champion in 2021 in Cameroon, a historic title that firmly etched his name in the pantheon of Senegalese football.
Now a free agent, Cheikhou Kouyaté faces a new turning point in his career. It remains to be seen whether he will choose to take on one last sporting challenge or gradually consider a transition, after more than a decade at the highest level.
