D.C. United have acquired defender Gaoussou Samaké from ASEC Mimosas in the Ivory Coast on a two-year contract through 2023 with options in 2024 and 2025 pending receipt of his P-1 Visa and ITC (International Transfer Certificate). Samaké spent the 2021 season on loan with the Black-and-Red’s United Soccer League (USL) Championship affiliate side, Loudoun United FC.
“Samaké impressed us in his first season with Loudoun United, and we’re excited to add him to the D.C. United roster ahead of the 2022 season,” Lucy Rushton, D.C. United General Manager, said. “He worked closely with our first team in training throughout 2021 and his athleticism, pace, and ability on the ball will be an effective addition in Losada's system.”
Samaké joined Loudoun United FC on loan from Ivorian football club ASEC Mimosas on Feb. 11, 2021. The 24-year-old made his United Soccer League (USL) debut with Loudoun United on May 3, 2021, in a 2-1 loss against Miami FC. In his first season with Loudoun United FC, Samaké scored one goal and recorded two assists in 14 appearances (13 starts), logging 1,143 total minutes.
“We identified Gaoussou [Samaké] as a promising talent ahead of the 2021 season and we were eager to bring him on loan with Loudoun United with an eye to signing him for D.C. United,” Stewart Mairs, D.C. United Technical Director, said. “We worked closely with him last season to develop him as a player and he has worked tirelessly to earn this opportunity in Major League Soccer. This signing is another testament to the success of our pathway program from Loudoun United to D.C. United.”
The defender started his professional career with ASEC Mimosas in the Ivory Coast in 2017 after rising through the ranks of their academy. The ASEC Mimosas academy is renowned in Africa and globally with notable graduates including Gervinho, Yaya Toure, Kolo Toure, and Didier Zokora. Samaké made his professional debut for ASEC Mimosas on Sept. 20, 2017, in a 1-0 win over Africa Sports in the Ivorian Super Cup. From 2017 to 2020, Samaké made 52 appearances for ASEC.
Player: Gaoussou Samaké
Position: Defender
Birthplace: Dabou, Ivory Coast
Country: Ivory Coast
Birthdate: 11/04/1997
Age: 24
Height: 5’6”
Previous Club: ASEC Mimosas (Ivory Coast)
Status: International
Transaction: D.C. United acquired defender Gaoussou Samaké from ASEC Mimosas in the Ivory Coast on a two-year contract through 2023 with options in 2024 and 2025.
