Middlesbrough are in a fight with Hull City over the signature of free agent Bamba Dieng, who wants to move to England, according to French outlet Foot Mercato.
Middlesbrough have had a busy transfer market so far this summer in terms of incomings and outgoings. The sale of Hayden Hackney, along with the hefty Morgan Rogers sell-on, has given Boro some serious funds to work with.
After their Championship play-off disappointment, Middlesbrough have priortised their attacking department, and another target has arisen. According to French outlet Foot Mercato, Boro are targeting free agent Bamba Dieng.
Hull City, the side beat Kim Hellberg’s side in the play-offs, are also fighting for his signature. Dieng wants a move to England and has rejected moves to Saudi Arabia for more money.
The striker was expected to join Amedspor in Turkey, but ultimately decided against the move following a change in circumstances during negotiations. Blackburn Rovers, Portsmouth and recently relegated duo Leicester City and Oxford United have all been credited with interest.
Who is Middlesbrough target Bamba Dieng?
Dieng started his career in Senegal, spending four years with ASC SUNEOR before joining Diambars FC in 2014. He broke into the club’s senior side in 2019 and enjoyed a remarkable breakthrough season, finishing as the Senegal Premier League’s top scorer with 12 goals in just 14 appearances.
His prolific form earned him a loan move to Olympique de Marseille in October 2020. After initially featuring for the reserve team, he made his first-team debut in 2021 and announced himself in style by scoring twice in a 2-0 victory over AS Monaco.
His move was made permanent later that year, with his best campaign coming in 2021/22 when he scored seven Ligue 1 goals in 25 appearances, although injuries and fierce competition eventually limited his opportunities.
In January 2023, Dieng completed a reported transfer to FC Lorient. After a loan spell with Angers SCO, he returned to Lorient and rediscovered his scoring touch, netting more than nine league goals during the 2025/26 campaign.
At international level, Dieng has represented Senegal national football team at both youth and senior level. He was part of the squad that lifted the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations and featured at the last two World Cup’s
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The Verdict: Signing Dieng would allow further Lankshear level additions
Middlesbrough have enjoyed a productive summer in the transfer market. Hackney’s long-anticipated £25 million move to the Premier League providing the club with a significant financial boost.
An even greater windfall has arrived through Rogers’ switch from Aston Villa to Chelsea. Thanks to the sell-on clause negotiated when Rogers departed the Riverside, Boro are set to pocket around £20 million from the Blues’ £117 million deal for the attacking midfielder.
The combined income gives Middlesbrough plenty of scope to strengthen the squad, but spending big should not be the only approach. Targeting a number of shrewd free-agent signings such as Dieng, would allow the club to stretch their budget further,
That could leave room for another ambitious move similar to Will Lankshear. With players like Ashley Phillips on their radar, they could make another hefty permanent addition.
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