Ligue 1 back Bakaye Dibassy whose acquisition was the result of a protracted scouting effort, negotiating over the term of a pandemic and fortunate timing. At just 30 he is now a Loon from Amiens SC, the club he joined in 2016 with over 134 games including 22 this season ahead of the virus caused shutdown. They had designs on him for quite some time as he filled the bill they sought to fill.
UTD Technical Director Mark Watson informed "We've been tracking him for the better part of 2 years now. He can play 2 positions really well. That was really attactive to us. He's got all the qualities we look for in a defender. "
His adaptability affords HC Heath another option on defense. With Dibassy and Dotson both able to step in on either fullback spot. Ike Opara, MLS Defender of the Year is out for the MIB. As they were able to nail down Obin Lod, they had followed Bakaye and just awaited the chance to ink him. They saw a large quantitiy of film of him and even went out to see him live on many an occasion.
Watson added "To be honest, the deal never happened because of finances. He was at a club that wanted a significant transfer fee, but that changed."
Mark did not comment on whether or not there was a transfer fee but did reveal that it was a 2 year deal with a one year team option in 2023.They all but missed him this winter as DC United made a run at him. With MN possessing his discovey rights, they had to allow DC to talk with him.
Watson added "He's been on our discovery list for a long time. DC were able to negotiate with him because we weren't ready to play the tansfer fee, we were aware of that."
This transaction almost never came to pass. Things shifted due to the pandemic, the season in France ended early and it was known Amiens would be relegated. The Loons had another shot at him and got it done.
Once his paperwork is straight and he is allowed to train he will begin to do so.