Notts County have confirmed the signing of Guinean forward Mai Traore from Norwegian side Fredrikstad for an undisclosed fee.
The 25-year-old has put pen to paper on a two-and-a-half-year deal with the Magpies, with an option for a further year in the club’s favour. His arrival bolsters County’s attacking options as they continue their push for promotion from League Two.
Proven Goalscorer Arrives at Meadow Lane
Traore has built a strong reputation in Scandinavia, first making an impact with Swedish club Vasalunds IF. His standout 2020 season saw him net 23 goals in 29 games, earning a move to Norwegian top-flight side Viking FK in 2021.
Since then, he has gained valuable experience across Norway and Belgium, including spells at Tromsø and OH Leuven. The forward returned to Norway with Fredrikstad last year, amassing over 60 appearances in the Eliteserien.
“Mai is a really exciting signing for us, bringing pace, power and an eye both for goals and assists,” said Notts director Richard Montague. “He’s very effective in the press, his link-up play is strong and he’s left footed, which adds another dimension for us at the top of the pitch.
“While his performances in Scandinavia indicate that he’s more than capable of making an immediate impact for us, we feel he has huge potential to improve.”
Promotion Push Continues
Currently third in League Two, Notts County have been strengthening their squad as they aim for a return to League One. Traore’s signing comes at a crucial time, with the Magpies preparing for a key fixture against Morecambe on Saturday.
The Guinean forward brings versatility, having played across different attacking roles in his career. His ability to press, link up with teammates and score crucial goals could be vital in the club’s promotion bid.
Writer’s View
Notts County’s recruitment strategy has been impressive, and landing a player of Traore’s pedigree could be a game-changer in the League Two promotion race. His goal-scoring prowess in Sweden and experience across top leagues in Norway and Belgium suggest he is more than capable of adapting to English football. If he settles quickly, he could prove to be a crucial addition in the Magpies’ push for promotion.
