According to reports, Middlesbrough are eyeing a move for Ligue 1’s defensive star Modou Diagne this summer as the Teesside club aims to bounce back next season following a nightmarish Premier League campaign. Diagne has been an unlikely star this season amidst the underwhelming performance of relegated side AS Nancy.
Boro had quite a monotonous season in the top-flight English football. Their negative gameplay could have been a success had there been quality strikers up front. But Aitor Karanka’s defensive approach meant Alvaro Negredo and Jordan Rhodes to have a decent goal conversion rate from the minute chances they could create. It didn’t happen, and their winter buy of Rudy Gestede was a bigger disappointment.
The midseason managerial change helped little as Steve Agnew stepped up to take the role of Karanka, with the team sloping down. Boro’s only strength remained in frustrating opponents by restricting them from scoring, and consequently, they could churn out 13 draws this season, two lesser than Manchester United
However, Boro’s dismal season has brought out many stars in Ben Gibson, Adama Traore and Gaston Ramirez. Gibson, especially, has been a revelation. Boro is highly unlikely to hold on to him anymore and Diagne could be a good replacement for the youngster.
The 23-year-old Senegal international has been targeted by Premier League Stoke City and promotion-hopeful Reading FC. While Boro wouldn’t stand a chance against them if they do make a bid, Riverside could be a suitable destination for Diagne given the same style of play.
Middlesbrough’s domestic season has, quite interestingly, been similar to that of Nancy. Their problem too was failing to score goals up front as they relied solely on an organised defence. Both the teams have lost nearly the same amount of games (Boro: 20 and Nancy: 21). What’s more, the number of goals they have conceded are dangerously close (Boro: 52 and Nancy: 53).
A youth product of Nancy, Diagne broke into the first team in 2014 and has been a regular since then. Although he hasn’t been able to have a decent squad around him to achieve silverware, his performances have helped him to play for the France and Senegal’s youth teams.
The player is valued at around £3.5 million, but now with side relegated, Boro could make negotiations to get a suitable deal for him. However, his low price could also be an encouragement for his other suitors. Especially Stoke City, who are set to lose Bruno Martins Indi back to FC Porto, who want their centre-half back after a successful spell in England.
Despite getting relegated, Nancy have conceded only 53 goals, four more than fourth-placed Lyon and Diagne has played a huge role in that. Boro have a slim chance of landing him anyway, but he could be a real gem for the side.
