Notts County face forward void as Traore departs by mutual consent

Notts County have ended their partnership with 26‑year‑old Guinean forward Mai Traore by mutual consent, freeing a squad spot after the striker failed to score in 13 League One appearances since his February 2025 arrival from Norwegian side Fredrikstad in England.

When Notts County signed Traore from Fredrikstad in February 2025, the club aimed to bolster its attacking depth with the forward’s physical presence. The expectation was that his size would complement the Magpies’ forward line in England’s League One.

Traore spent part of the season on loan at Sligo Rovers in the League of Ireland Premier Division. He recorded a single goal in 16 league games, a moment captured in a [Getty Images] photograph.

Back with the Magpies, the Guinean failed to find the net in 13 League One matches, underscoring the disappointment that led to the mutual termination. The club and player agreed to part ways, ending his spell without a goal.

Notts County also confirmed that summer signing Max Sanders, a 27‑year‑old midfielder who joined on a two‑year deal after rejecting Crewe Alexandra, will miss the first three months of the season with a calf injury. His absence further limits the squad’s options as the campaign begins.

Traore’s departure leaves him a free agent and frees up a squad spot for Notts County as they look to reshape their forward line for the upcoming campaign. The club now faces the task of finding a new attacking option to fill the void.