EXCLUSIVE: Ligue 1-FieldFrenzyPost-PandaTV

Ligue 1 club Toulouse is in advanced negotiations with Cercle Brugge for the acquisition of midfielder Francis Abu, as confirmed by Flashscore.

The French team is believed to have encountered strong competition from Burnley in the English Premier League and Italian clubs Torino and Genoa.

Turkish teams Basaksehir FK and Trabzonspor also showed interest in the Ghanaian player, but Toulouse are close to finalizing the transfer of the midfielder, with the deal in its concluding stages.

Abu joined Cercle Brugge in 2022 and has spent five years at the club. The 24-year-old, who dons the number 21 jersey, has been a crucial player in the Belgian Pro League squad since his arrival. Throughout his time at Cercle Brugge, Abu has accumulated over 60 league appearances, netting 8 goals (1 goal and 7 assists) during this period.

His consistent performances in midfield, blending defensive skills with creative passing, have established him as one of the club’s standout players. With one year remaining on his contract, the Belgian club is open to selling the Ghanaian talent this summer.

Before his time at Cercle Brugge, Abu Francis started his professional career with Danish club FC Nordsjaelland. He progressed through their youth system and made his senior debut in the 2019/20 season. At Nordsjaelland, he displayed his potential as a versatile midfielder capable of excelling in various central roles.

His growth in the Danish Superliga set the stage for his move to Belgium, where he has developed into a dependable first-team regular.

On the international stage, Francis Abu has represented the Ghana national team, earning several caps since his debut. As of mid-2025, Abu has received 5 caps for the Black Stars, highlighting his increasing prominence in national football.

Toulouse had a successful 2024/25 Ligue 1 season, finishing 10th in the standings. The club showed potential but struggled with consistency, leading to efforts to enhance their squad ahead of the upcoming season.

With Abu's signing on the horizon, Toulouse aims to strengthen their midfield options with the Ghanaian’s hardworking style and ability to carry the ball. The club is looking to improve their league position and possibly challenge for a higher ranking, with Abu fitting the profile of a diligent midfielder who can impact games at both ends.