Caley Thistle yesterday bolstered their attacking options by adding French forward Lonsana Doumbouya on a two-year contract.
Doumbouya previously played for Belgian club Cercle Brugge and turned down offers from clubs in France and Russia to join Inverness.
Caley Jags manager Richie Foran has been eager to add another attacker to compete with Scott Boden and Alex Fisher, and turned to Doumbouya after opting against moves for trialists Farid El Alagui and Jamar Loza, who scored in Inverness’ 3-1 Development League defeat by Motherwell on Tuesday.
Foran says Doumbouya’s physical presence persuaded him to move for the 26-year-old, who could feature in tomorrow’s Premiership match against St Johnstone.
Foran said: “It was his pace and his power that gave him the edge over others we looked at, and his aerial ability as well.
“We have good wide players who can deliver crosses into the box and he is one of those guys who will thrive on that.
“He had other offers and could have made a lot more money as well but he hasn’t come here for that – he’s come to improve himself.
“Had it not been for some financial troubles at Cercle Brugge I don’t think we would have got him at all. We were lucky enough to capitalise on that.
“He’s come to one of the best leagues in Europe, he believes, and he’s going to be a great addition.”
Doumbouya began his career in France but has played in Belgium since moving to RFC Seresien in 2011, with spells at RCS Vervietois and AFC Tubize prior to his move to Cercle last year.
The attacker is excited by the opportunity handed to him by the Highlanders and reckons he can thrive in the Scottish Premiership.
Doumbouya said: “I’m very happy because this is my first club in a top division. The project of the club interests me and I’m very happy.
“I had options but a European club is good for my progression. My game is suited to both Scotland and England – I have watched it on TV and there is some good football.
“I like physical duels – that’s my goal. I like to score goals and give assists and work for the team.”
Foran is still considering a move for former Dundee United defender Gavin Gunning, who has impressed during a trial spell at Caledonian Stadium, and could make a decision today.
Foran added: “Gavin has been excellent. His football has been fantastic. I’ll speak to the board in terms of finances.”
