Cédric Bakambu joins San Diego FC on free transfer

Cédric Bakambu has found a new club after leaving Real Betis, joining San Diego FC in Major League Soccer as a free agent. The move returns the 35-year-old centre-forward to club football after a period without a team and gives the California side an experienced international attacker.

Bakambu’s agreement runs through the 2026 season. San Diego FC also hold options covering the 2027 MLS Sprint Season and the 2027-28 campaign, which could keep the Democratic Republic of Congo international at the club through 2028. He arrives after representing his country at the 2026 World Cup.

The forward holds Congolese and French citizenship and most recently played for Real Betis. His recent career also included spells with Galatasaray, Al-Nasr and Olympiacos. Galatasaray signed him from Real Betis for €5 million in the 2023-24 season, while Al-Nasr moved him to the Turkish club for €700,000 during the same campaign.

Bakambu’s return to action comes with knee problems listed in his medical history, though no current injury status has been provided. San Diego FC will now have a striker whose international career is centred on the DR Congo, while his contract gives the club control over his possible continuation beyond 2026.