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Halifax Wanderers sign French forward Yohan Baï

The Halifax Wanderers have signed French forward Yohan Baï to a contract through the 2026 Canadian Premier League season with a club option for 2027. Baï adds an experienced winger to the Wanderers’ front line, having played multiple seasons in France’s Ligue 2 and in the Bulgarian top flight. He will be added to Halifax’s roster pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC).

“Yohan fits the profile of attacker we wanted to add this season with a combination of creativity, pace and scoring ability,” sporting director Matt Fegan said. “He has the versatility to play across the front line which suits our playing style. Having played at some prestigious clubs overseas he is also an experienced player who will help elevate the quality in the squad on and off the pitch.”

Baï, 28, joins the Wanderers after splitting his 2024 season with Ligue 2 side SC Bastia and Bulgarian first-division club Lokomotiv Plovdiv. Known for his blistering pace and creativity on the wing, Baï has racked up 19 goals and 12 assists across his professional career and had one of the fastest sprint speeds in his respective leagues.

“I didn’t hesitate for a single second when the opportunity came to play in Canada,” Baï said. “After I met with Patrice I spent a week learning everything I could about the club, the city and the fans. I could already picture myself playing there. You can score a goal and hug a fan during the celebration. That’s crazy!”


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From Arras, France, Baï started his professional career with French Championnat National side SAS Epinal before stints with AS Furiani-Agliani, CMS Oissel and Canet Roussillon FC. While playing for Canet, Bai scored the winning goal in a 2-1 upset victory over Olympique de Marseille in the Coupe de France.

In 2021, Baï joined CSKA Sofia, the most successful club in Bulgaria with 31 first division championships. He made 34 appearances, scoring three goals and tallying six assists, and he played five of Sofia’s six group stage matches in the 2021-22 UEFA Conference League, including a match against AS Roma at the Stadio Olimpico. His play in Bulgaria earned him an offer to join SC Bastia in France’s Ligue 2, making 17 appearances and scoring three goals. He returned to Bulgaria in 2024, signing with Lokomotiv Plovdiv.

“Yohan has an incredible ability to do things at a high speed, and we felt adding a player who can stretch the game and create individual magic will help take us to the next level,” Wanderers head coach Patrice Gheisar said. “He’s technical, can run at you and combine with other players. He is also a terrific person with a great upbringing from really good clubs in Europe, so we know he will settle in well here in Halifax.”

A product of Amiens SC’s youth program, Baï is the Wanderers’ fifth international signing ahead of the 2025 season and the second from France after Lorenzo Callegari recently signed a new contract to stay in Halifax through the 2026 season.

“Lorenzo was the first player to reach out and welcome me to the team and told me all about the club, the city and the supporters,” Baï said. “He’s the kind of player who makes the match easier for his teammates so I’m looking forward to creating a bond with him on and off the field.”