For Bakambu, a free-agent World Cup striker nears a move to Internacional

The corridors of Internacional’s training complex echoed with the sound of stamping feet on Tuesday evening. Inside, the club’s technical staff pored over documents late into the night, racing to finalise a deal that had already reached an advanced stage. The target: 35-year-old striker Cédric Bakambu, a World Cup participant with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, now a free agent after his departure from Real Betis in mid-2026.

Negotiations between the parties have progressed to the stage of exchanging contracts, according to club sources. The rapid pace of the talks suggests an agreement could be concluded within days, with both sides keen to wrap up the paperwork before the next transfer window closes. Bakambu’s arrival would mark a significant coup for Internacional, who have identified a new centre-forward as a priority in the current transfer market.

The Congolese international brings more than just experience to the Brasileirão side. Bakambu has played 74 matches for Real Betis, scoring 15 goals and providing seven assists during his three seasons in Spain. His club career spans top European clubs including Olympiacos in Greece, Villarreal and Marseille in Spain, Galatasaray in Turkey, and Sochaux in France, where he began his professional journey. He also had stints in China with Beijing Guoan and Turkey with Bursaspor.

Bakambu’s international credentials were further burnished at the World Cup, where he represented the Democratic Republic of the Congo and helped the team reach the Round of 16. His tournament performances underscored his ability to deliver under pressure, a trait that aligns with Internacional’s need for a reliable goal threat in high-stakes matches.

The Brazilian club had previously considered Bakambu during earlier transfer windows, but those discussions stalled. This time, the striker has re-emerged as a viable option, offering a ready-made solution without the need for a transfer fee. Since leaving Real Betis, Bakambu has been available on a free transfer, allowing Internacional to avoid protracted negotiations over a transfer fee.

Internacional’s offensive reshuffle has also included evaluating other centre-forwards, including Alex Arce, who impressed at Independiente Rivadavia in Argentina. However, Bakambu’s profile—combining World Cup experience, club pedigree, and immediate availability—positions him as the preferred choice in the eyes of the club’s hierarchy.

The potential signing comes at a time when Internacional are reorganising their squad following a transitional period. With the summer transfer window still open in Brazil, the club is keen to bolster its attacking options before the domestic season resumes. Bakambu’s arrival would provide depth and competition in the final third, while also adding a voice of experience to a relatively young squad.

Club officials confirmed that the documentation phase is now the final hurdle. Once signed, Bakambu would become the latest in a long line of high-profile forwards to have worn the Internacional shirt, further strengthening the club’s reputation for attracting proven talent from across the globe.

The move would also represent a homecoming of sorts for Bakambu, who has played in top leagues across Europe, Asia, and South America. His versatility and adaptability have been central to his longevity, and his arrival in Porto Alegre would signal Internacional’s ambition to compete at the highest level domestically and in continental competitions.