Galatasaray are looking to sign West Ham United winger Grady Diangana, it has been reported.
The 21-year-old is being viewed as a backup option, in case they fail to secure a loan move for Everton’s Henry Onyekuru, according to Turkish website Sozcu, cited by Sport Witness.
Onyekuru is currently on loan at Galatasaray, but might return to the club in July when the loan deal ends.
The winger featured 44 times for the Turkish club across all competitions in the recently concluded campaign.
Onyekuru was an asset for the club, leading them to the Super Lig title, scoring 16 times in the process. But his potential return to Everton leaves Galatasaray in a spot of bother.
Diangana impressed for West Ham when he was called up by Manuel Pellegrini, and managed a string of appearances towards the second half of the season when the Hammers had several players on the treatment table.
Would a loan spell benefit the Grady Diangana and West Ham?
Diangana is a versatile winger who can play on either flank, and can also move into an attacking midfield role if the need arises.
While a loan move ensures playing time, the gulf of quality between the leagues in the two countries means he is better off where he is.
The 21-year-old has a contract until 2025, and with a manager like Pellegrini, he is likely to get his opportunities next season as he is clearly a talented player who can do a good job.
The English Under-20 International’s dribbling and passing ability are his strengths. He averaged a pass success of 77.9 and 1.2 dribbles per game across all competitions last season, and with time, his decision making will improve as he is still pretty young.
Diangana also managed 1.2 tackles per 90 minutes, which highlights his tenacity on the pitch. The Hammers winger has made 3 appearances for the England U-20 side and is on a developing pretty well.
A move to a far inferior league sounds like a bad decision, even though he will have an opportunity to feature in the Champions League, something that might help him elevate his game.
Considering West Ham will need depth to impress in the cups and the league as well, it’s perhaps wiser for the club to keep hold of Diangana and give him a few minutes every now and then.
Stat Courtesy: Transfermarkt, Whoscored