I'se da Baï: French winger Yohan Baï looks to add speed, experience to re-tooling Wanderers
Yohan Baï says he's always been drawn to North America. He's interested in the lifestyle, the people and, of course, the football. But he's never been, having played nearly the entirety of his professional career in France.
All of that will change on Tuesday: the 28-year old Frenchman was announced this week as one the newest Wanderers and will board a plane bound for Halifax on February 4. He joins fellow countrymen Jason Bahamboula, who was announced on Wednesday, and returning midfield star and former Paris Saint-Germain man Lorenzo Callegari, strengthening Halifax's growing French connection.
"There are some opportunities that only present themselves once in your life," says Baï in French during an exclusive interview with The Wanderers Notebook. "Whether it's the United States or Canada, these are places I've always wanted to explore. I've had close friends who had made the jump and they've recommended it. I feel good, I'm in a good place and the planets kind of aligned to make this happen."
An experienced winger comfortable playing on the right or left side, Baï started his career with French Championnat National side SAS Epinal. He's since gone on to play for clubs like AS Furiani-Agliani, CMS Oissel, Canet Roussillon FC and most recently, represented SC Bastia in Ligue 2. He also played in Bulgaria's top flight to cap off 2024.
However, with several options throughout Europe, Baï says he was drawn to the energy of Halifax's project and the idea of exploring North America.
“I had other opportunities in France, and elsewhere in Europe, but I didn’t feel the same energy that I felt with Halifax, with (head coach) Patrice Gheisar and with the sporting director, Matt Fegan. There was something strong that pulled me in and it felt like the right moment for me to make the jump," he says. "I signed without hesitation."
Baï joins a Wanderers squad amidst a re-tool following a disappointing 2024 campaign but says he's excited to get on the pitch to help the club push for a playoff spot on the table, with the goal being to finish on top. In anticipation, he explains he's watched several Wanderers matches from 2024 and is excited to play for a possession-based club.
"I was quite curious what the level would be, and after watching, there’s an enormous quality. It’s remarkable that the league has grown so much in such a short timespan. It’s not a coincidence that it’s pulling players from France and elsewhere," says Baï.
“As a winger, it’s not always easy to only get long-balls slung over the top and to only get one or two touches (a half). I’ve personally watched quite a few of Halifax’s matches to acclimate myself. The style they play jumps off the screen.”
Between Baï and Bahamboula, the Wanderers strove this off-season to add speed on the flanks, something Fegan acknowledged during their signing announcements.
“We’ve looked to add some more dynamic attackers to supplement the core of our front line this off-season, with some variety in their style, and Jason (Bahamboula) adds flare and an ability to beat his opponent with excellent footwork,” says Fegan.
"(Baï) 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.”
Make no mistake: Baï says he knows exactly what the coaching staff wants.
“I’m a speed player,” he says. “I also love playing one-versus-one, it’s maybe my best attribute. But I’m also an energetic player; I like to get involved and I’m capable of being a playmaker or goal scorer.”
Baï adds he's also been part of physically tough squads this past year as Bastia, which is located on the famously rugged island of Corsica, and Lokomotiv Plovdiv in Bulgaria played a bruising brand of football. Moving to a more possession-based, attack-minded style is something he's looking forward to. Baï has registered 19 goals and 12 assists across his professional career.
One resource which has been invaluable, he says, is Callegari, who reached out when he discovered the Wanderers were looking to sign him. As the two Frenchmen have several friends in common, Baï says he's appreciated Callegari's openness.
"He is class, frankly, and he's really helped me, he had all the answers and explained everything. To have someone like him, who is so good on the pitch, it really meant a lot to get his opinion because he's from France, we know the quality of clubs he's played with and he likes it (in Halifax). He was the best person possible to advise me," he says.
Baï also says once he became acquainted with the Wanderers' fans and the atmosphere on matchdays, he knew it was an experience he didn't want to miss out on. And although having a large francophone contingent is something he thinks will help him adjust to Nova Scotia, Baï says moving to Canada is about welcoming new experiences.
Playing at the Wanderers Grounds is at the top of his list.
"I can't wait to meet the fans," he says. "I said something in my signing press release that got people talking and that's one of the reasons I signed, to feel that supporters energy. I've already received a lot of love."
Cover Photo Credit: La Voix du Nord
