Triallist French Striker Earns Torquay Deal

Twenty-seven-year-old Gnabouyou is an eleven-times capped France under-21 international who spent his early career with Marseille.

He made a handful of senior appearances for his home-town club before moving to lower league sides US Orleans and Paris FC.

He then joined Finland outfit Inter Turku, where he spent three seasons, making over 60 appearances.

He was on his travels again in 2014, this time to Greece to join Kalloni and then to Malta with Sliema Wanderers.

He re-joined Inter Turku in 2015.

Gnabouyou played and scored twice in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Cheltenham Town on Tuesday.

“He had been in the building eight or nine days – managed to hastily arrange the game so that we could have a look at him, as well as get the lads some game time,” head coach Gary Owers told his club`s official website.

Having trained with Torquay over the last couple of weeks, Owers has been able to assess the striker’s attributes. The deal still has some way to go before it is complete though.

“He’s done ok – got two goals which is something that we are in need of at the moment, which is well documented. On that basis we have made him an offer to come in on a short-term contract until January, to see whether he can give us a little bit extra. He’s gone back to France, and we haven’t agreed terms so there is quite a bit more to do.

“He’s mobile, he’s athletic. He’s quick and looking at his stuff which I did do before I invited him over, he looks like he can finish if he gets a chance.”

Owers is mindful that whoever he brings in is not put under too much pressure. Any new signings will be adding to what is already in the building.

“There is a lot of talk about our need for a striker. It is going to put a lot of pressure on whoever does come in. I have got strikers here that need to step up and show me what they are all about – they can contribute.

“At this point of the year it is going to be very difficult to go and bring a striker in that is in top form scoring goals at another club. If he is scoring goals, then he’ll be in somebody else’s team. I’ve got to be very particular and try and make the right decision. January is a different matter”.