Manchester United are set to offload talented winger Amad Diallo on loan this summer. Following the arrival of Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund, Diallo is unlikely to earn much game time and United are keen on loaning him out to further his development.
The 19-year-old Ivory Coast international joined the Red Devils from Atalanta in January on a five-year deal. He has made eight appearances for United in all competitions, scoring one goal and providing one assist.
United have already sent forward Facundo Pellistri to Alaves on loan for the 2021-22 season and Diallo is set to be next in line, according to Manchester Evening News.
Let’s take a look at three clubs that could potentially target a loan move for Amad Diallo in the summer.
#1 West Ham United
A loan move to West Ham last season turned Jesse Lingard’s career around and there is no reason why Amad Diallo cannot reap similar rewards at the London club.
Diallo is a quick and tricky winger who likes to run at defenders and beat them with his skill and turn of pace. He could fit in nicely at West Ham, who are in need of reinforcements in attack.
West Ham’s current options at right-wing are Jarrod Bowen and Andriy Yarmolenko. Bowen has been linked with a move away from the club this transfer window, while Yarmolenko has never really lived up to expectations since his arrival from Borussia Dortmund.
Diallo could slot straight into the lineup or serve as a backup for Bowen if the Englishman remains with the Hammers.
#2 Atalanta
Atalanta know first-hand what kind of impact Diallo can have. The Ivorian rose through the ranks of Atalanta’s academy before making his senior debut for the club in 2019. His talent was so apparent that then Atalanta captain Papu Gomez even likened the young Ivorian to Lionel Messi.
Atalanta were keen on re-signing Diallo on loan in January, but a deal never came to fruition. They could, however, be successful this time around. The Serie A club do not have an out-and-out right-winger in their ranks, with the likes of Joachim Maehle and Ruslan Malinovsky used on the right in the past.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s side finished third last season, but they will be gunning for the title this time around. Diallo’s arrival will freshen up their already-formidable attack and make them a force to be reckoned with.
#3 Borussia Dortmund
Jadon Sancho’s departure has left a huge void that Dortmund are yet to fill. The Bundesliga giants signed Donyell Malen from PSV, but the Netherlands international is not an out-and-out winger and prefers to play more centrally. Thus, Amad Diallo could be a smart short-term acquisition until they line up a replacement for Sancho.
Dortmund are a club renowned for getting the best out of young players and they could certainly help Diallo take his game to a new level.