‘The King’ of Galatasaray in the Turkish Süper Lig, Mbaye Diagne has been linked with a move to Premier League new boys, Aston Villa. The reports coming out of Turkey and England are stating that the Galatasaray recruiting executive is in England to handle a few incoming and outgoing transfer plans for the club. (h/t FutbolArena)
The Turkish club have been credited with moves for Chelsea duo Danny Drinkwater and Tiemoue Bakayoko as well. It is also suspected he is meeting Villa’s officials about a Diagne transfer. Aston Villa have indicated as having officials in Turkey watching a number of players including Diagne teammate, Christian Luyindama.
According to TransferMarkt, Mbaye Diagne is valued at 9 million euros, with it being suggested that the Midlands club will have to hand over somewhere between 10 – 13 million euros for the Senegalese frontman.
Towering at an impressive 191 centimetres, he will provide another physical presence up front for Aston Villa along with fellow new boy Wesley. Both strikers having similar physic and impact on an opposition’s backline.
The striker has played across the French, Italian, Belgian, Middle Eastern and Chinese Leagues before plying his trade in Turkey, initially with Kasimpasa. He only moved to Turkish Giants on deadline day in January for 13 million euros.
Having previously been on the books at Juventus, the 27-year-old forward would be a shrewd piece of business for the Midlands club. In addition to playing centre-forward, he can also play out wide on either wing. He bagged 30 goals in the Turkish Süper Lig across 36 appearances for his two clubs, Kasimpasa and Galatasaray.
Mbaye Diagne could potentially have a friendly face welcoming him at Bodymoor Heath training ground if he does sign, having played with fellow Villa new boy Trezeguet last season at Kasimpasa. The pair combining for 17 goals before Diagne’s move in January.
The passionate forward is under contract until the end of 2023 so Aston Villa will have to stump up a tempting offer for the Turkish side to sell their star man.
