Former Mali international Djibril Sidibe in an exclusive interview with Africafoot has expressed belief that teenage midfielder Ange Martial Tia should continue his development at Stade de Reims rather than rush into a move to a bigger club.
Tia has emerged as one of the most exciting young prospects in French football following a series of impressive performances in Ligue 2.
The 19-year-old has attracted attention for his technical ability, creativity and growing influence in midfield, with several clubs reportedly monitoring his progress.
However, Sidibe believes the youngster would benefit more from gaining regular first-team experience at Reims before considering a move elsewhere.
Speaking exclusively to Africafoot, the former Mali international praised Tia’s potential and backed him to become an important figure for the national team.
“Ange Tia is undoubtedly one of the best young players in French Ligue 1 and Ligue 2,” Sidibe said. “He’s a player brimming with talent who is also beginning to mature, with the potential to one day play in a more prestigious league and make significant progress internationally with Mali, with the ambition of winning trophies.”
“He impressed me greatly during the first two qualifying matches. We were all surprised by his starting position, but he ultimately won everyone over.”
Sidibe explains why Tia should remain at Reims
Despite acknowledging the youngster’s potential to play at a higher level, Sidibe believes remaining at Reims would provide the ideal environment for his continued development.
Tia is under contract with the French club until 30 June 2030 and has already made 52 appearances in all competitions, scoring seven goals and providing three assists.
The former Mali international believes his regular involvement in the first team, coupled with the presence of fellow countrymen at the club, makes Reims an important stepping stone in his career.
“He has undeniable talent, but I think he’s happy at Stade de Reims right now, where he’s a regular starter,” Sidibe said.
“It’s a team that will definitely be aiming for promotion to Ligue 1. He plays alongside other compatriots, Daouda Guindo and Seydou DembΓ©lΓ©, which is important for him. “He’s 19, and he needs to keep working and improving before he even thinks about joining a big club. At his age, he needs to play, establish himself and perform.”
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Tia makes immediate impact with Mali
Tia’s impressive club performances have also translated to the international stage, where he has begun making his mark with Mali’s senior national team.
The attacking midfielder scored twice in his first two appearances for the Eagles during the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, further underlining his growing importance to the national side.
His performances have strengthened expectations surrounding his international future, with the youngster now viewed as one of Mali’s promising emerging talents.
With a long-term contract at Reims and regular first-team opportunities, Tia appears well positioned to continue his development.
For Sidibe, the priority should be ensuring the teenager builds on his early progress rather than allowing transfer speculation to distract him from establishing himself at the highest possible level.
