Middlesbrough linked with Club Brugge’s Mamadou Diakhon alongside Everton, Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town
Middlesbrough want to sign Senegal international Mamadou Diakhon from Club Brugge, according to a report.
The 20-year-old, who can operate out wide or up front, has plied his trade in Belgium since his move from Reims last year.
He set Club Brugge back a reported €8.5m (£7.3m) and has since registered two goals and 11 assists across 35 appearances.
A former France youth international, Diakhon weighed in with two goals and two assists in the Champions League before Club Brugge’s elimination in February.
Mamadou Diakhon has registered 11 assists for Club Brugge this season.placeholder image
Mamadou Diakhon has registered 11 assists for Club Brugge this season. | PA Wire
Middlesbrough linked with winger
According to SportsBoom, Middlesbrough are among the many admirers of the Strasbourg-born prodigy.
Their Championship rivals Ipswich Town are also said to be keen and Diakhon is thought to be on the shortlists of Premier League clubs Everton and Crystal Palace.
It has been suggested he could be available this summer for a fee in the region of €20-25m (£17.3m-£21.6m).
Middlesbrough would most likely need promotion in order to be in the running to sign a player for such a hefty fee. Kim Hellberg’s men, who could sneak into the top two on the final day of the regular Championship season this weekend, sit fourth.
If Middlesbrough do seal promotion, automatically or via the play-offs, significant investment in the playing squad will be required. Diakhon would arguably be an exciting addition for Boro, adding pace and creativity in the final third.
However, in the short-term, the club cannot afford to dream of Premier League football and high-profile signings. They will have laser focus on this weekend’s trip to Wrexham, which could end with promotion celebrations.
Middlesbrough are among the clubs said to be keen on Club Brugge winger Mamadou Diakhon.placeholder image
Middlesbrough are among the clubs said to be keen on Club Brugge winger Mamadou Diakhon. | NICOLAS TUCAT / AFP via Getty Images
Middlesbrough eyeing promotion
At the weekend, Boro boss Kim Hellberg spoke of his desire to see Ipswich Town draw or lose to Southampton. The Tractor Boys drew with the Saints last night (April 28), teeing up a thrilling finale.
Hellberg said: “Football is an unbelievable sport, and you know that if it goes down to the last day, it is difficult to know how anyone is going to handle that.
“We’ve come from a position where we really felt we had nothing to lose in the last week. It felt as though it was probably gone, but if Ipswich do not win their next game, then it will come down to the last day of the season.
“If that happens, you never know. There are a lot of things that play into that type of game. Hopefully, Southampton can take at least a point from Ipswich, and then we will get that exciting last day of the season.”