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AS Monaco has officially announced the departure of Ismail Jakobs to Galatasaray on a season-long loan, with the Turkish club holding a mandatory purchase option as part of the agreement. The move, while anticipated, comes at an intriguing time for Monaco, especially given Jakobs' strong recent performances.
Just over a week ago, Jakobs was instrumental in Monaco’s emphatic victory over Olympique Lyonnais, stepping in seamlessly during Caio Henrique's absence. Henrique, who missed much of the previous season due to injury, has been Monaco’s preferred left-back, but Jakobs emerged as a reliable and dynamic alternative.
Monaco coach Adi Hutter, speaking last week, had expressed a desire to retain all three of his left-backs: Henrique, Kassoum Ouattara, and Jakobs. “Caio is now available, but when you are out for a while, it is not easy to come back. We obviously know his strengths and how important he is, but for the moment, Izo [Jakobs] deserves to be in the starting eleven,” Hutter said. He added that with a congested fixture list after the international break, all three players would have opportunities.
Jakobs’ departure marks the end of a three-year stint in the Principality, where he made over 100 appearances after joining Monaco from FC Köln in 2020. While he often played second fiddle to Henrique, Jakobs steadily progressed and contributed during key moments for the club.
Reflecting on his time at Monaco, Jakobs shared a heartfelt message: “I would like to express my deep gratitude for the past three years spent at AS Monaco. I have had the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally, and I have been fortunate to meet exceptional people who have become lifelong friends.”
“These years have been filled with unforgettable moments, with their ups and downs, but always marked by a beautiful adventure. Today, I am happy to leave the club on a positive note, grateful for everything I have experienced here.”
Monaco, in a statement, wished Jakobs well as he begins the next chapter of his career in Turkey. At 25, the Senegalese international now looks to make his mark at Galatasaray, where he will bring his experience and versatility to a new stage in his career.
For Monaco, the move represents a calculated decision, though it leaves them with less depth at left-back. With Henrique’s recent return from injury, and Ouattara as an option, the club will be hoping their left-back rotation holds up in the demanding months ahead.