Recently reports from France linked Stephane Diarra to Celtic. The right-winger was even linked with Premier League clubs like Newcastle United and Leicester City. Diarra currently plies his trade for French second division outfit Le Mans.
Diarra’s club president responds to transfer rumours
Le Mans’ president Thierry Gomez recently responded to rumours linking Diarra with a move away from France. He said (Daily Record), ”We’ll need to get used to these rumours. After that I’m not unhappy if some of our players are of interest to other clubs, that’s just proof that we’re working well. So far, we haven’t had any offers. After that, Stephane knows where he’s come from. We went and got him from Rennes when he was having a difficult time, we’ve relaunched him well. If something were to happen, it would happen with our support.”
Diarra was signed this summer by Le Mans from Rennes. The winger never really managed to break through into the senior team at Rennes, and he played only for their B team.
The Ivorian born French winger has managed to show his true talent in the Ligue 2 as he has impressed with his initial form. The wide player has three goals and two assists in 16 appearances.
The club’s president Gomez confirmed that they hadn’t received any offers for the winger. Hence, any of the three mentioned clubs can swoop in for him. Premier League clubs might be able to offer better financial terms to the player, but Celtic can give Diarra a chance to play in European football.
However, the way things are going at the King Power Stadium this season, they can very much make it to Europe themselves by the next season. Celtic have also got a terrific first choice right-winger in James Forrest. The Scotsman is one of the first names on the teamsheet. Forrest recently signed a new deal with the Hoops which will keep him at the club until 2023. Therefore that shows that Celtic see him as a long term option at the club.
What should Lennon do?
Diarra is an exciting talent, and he is still just 20, so he has lots of room for improvements. He is quick agile, and his dribbling skills can turn defenders inside out. The winger currently has the best dribble completion rate in the Ligue 2. We believe that Celtic should continue to keep track of his development. Maybe in the summer, they can decide to make an offer for him if he continues to impress for Le Mans.
