Kasimpasa striker Mbaye Diagne has continued his rich vein of form with the Turkish outfit as now he has scored seven goals in the first five games. Latest reports from the Turkish media suggest that the striker is still interested in a move to England and Leeds United were one of the teams who were after him in the summer. Kasimpasa were demanding £3.6m for their Senegalese striker, but before things could develop further, the move was put off because of the striker’s work permit issues.
That thing could be sorted soon as the striker is eligible for an Italian passport and that way he wouldn’t be required to provide any Work Permit to the FA to play in England. The 26-year-old forward has managed 19 goals and two assists since he joined the club the Turkish club in January from Chinese outfit Tianjin Teda.
The striker previously was signed by former Chelsea manager Antonio Conte when he was with Juventus. However, the Senegalese forward wasn’t able to break into the first team, but that move at least showcased that he was worth playing for a club of Juventus’ stature.
Currently, his side sits on top of the table in the Turkish league, and the forward has quite easily looked head and shoulders above everyone on the pitch.
The Whites should consider revisiting him in January, but it would be interesting to see whether Kasimpasa would still demand that £3.6m price. The way Diagne’s form has been off lately, and if he carries on like this until January, we won’t be surprised if the striker’s stock goes up.
In that case, Premier League club like Bournemouth would hold an edge over signing him as they were also one of the clubs who showed an interest in the striker earlier.
The 26-year-old is adept at playing on the wings as well as leading the line for his side. The Senegalese has a commanding presence in the box, and his tall frame often makes it hard for defenders to knock him off the ball. Diagne’s hold up play is quite good, and the forward shows calmness when he is in front of goal. One of the things Diagne can improve on is his link-up play with his team-mates, and even though the striker might be the man to start up front, he should work on his passing abilities. The Senegalese striker cannot be termed as a finished product but in front of goal, he manages to do his task and that is what really matters for a striker.
The Whites have struggled with injuries of late and they might go in January to sign a new striker if they struggle with their current options. Bamford is already out for the next four months, and there is no guarantee that even if he comes back, he can start banging in goals from the offset. Therefore we feel Bielsa should consider signing Diagne in the winter transfer period.
