According to Haberturk, Leeds United are ready to make a move for Mbaye Diagne this summer. The Galatasaray forward has emerged as the latest target for Marcelo Bielsa as he looks to bolster his attacking options next season. Diagne is not considered to be a part of Fatih Terim’s plans, meaning the Turkish giants could be keen on offloading the striker in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Mbaye Diagne: A reliable goalscorer?
Having started his professional career at A.S.D. Brandizzo, Diagne is a well-travelled footballer. He has played in Italy, France, Saudi Arabia and Hungary along with a host of other countries including China.
However, it wasn’t until his spell at Turkish club Kasimpasa that he really made a name for himself in European football. The forward scored 12 goals in 17 goals during the 2017/18 campaign, which was followed by 20 goals in the subsequent season.
In total, Diagne scored 32 goals in 36 competitive matches for Kasimpasa – a record that earned him a €13 million move to rivals Galatasaray in January 2019. He replicated his performances in the Galata district as well, scoring ten goals during the remainder of the corresponding campaign.
Misery in the dressing room
Despite his gifts in front of goal, Diagne is known for his irresponsible behaviour and lack of discipline. Those traits saw him getting shipped out to Club Brugge on loan last summer.
And in Belgium, the striker has had problems with coach Philippe Clement. In a recent interview, the striker himself admitted that the Brugge boss was not fond of him after that missed penalty against Paris Saint-Germain. As a result, he was only used in six matches, even though the club did go on to win the Belgian league title.
Leeds United are ready to make a move for Mbaye Diagne: The right call by Marcelo Bielsa?
Diagne is undoubtedly a gifted attacker. His ability to find the back of the net, combined with his physical stature makes him an ideal fit in the Premier League. His robust style of play could certainly add a new dimension to the Leeds United attack that has lacked the presence of a reliable goalscoring forward.
At the same time, however, Diagne’s lack of discipline and questionable attitude could make him a nightmare in the Leeds dressing room. Especially under someone like Bielsa, who is known for his rigid and disciplinary measures, Diagne might not be the ideal fit. Therefore, it would perhaps be wiser for the Whites to set their sights on other alternatives.
