Ousmane Diabate has joined Newcastle United from Genclerbirligi, according to the Turkish club’s manager.
Newcastle United have completed the signing of 18-year-old midfielder Ousmane Diabate from Genclerbirligi SK, according to manager Metin Diyadi.
Sources close to Newcastle backed up reports in Turkey that Diabate had travelled to Tyneside last week to undergo his medical. The Magpies are yet to officially announce his arrival, but according to Diyadin, the transfer is done.
Unlike young midfield additions Sean Steur and Aladji Bamba, who both featured in the Magpies’ Premier League opener against Liverpool on Sunday, Diabate will remain with Gençlerbirligi on loan. He featured in their 1-0 win at Göztepe in the Turkish Super League on Sunday evening.
Speaking after the game, Diyadin (via Ajansspor) said: “I came here during the mid-season last year [season]. He was playing in the youth team. We brought him into the team, and because he came from Africa, there was a contract process there. We couldn’t develop him during that process.
“After me, Coach Volkan came. If I’m not mistaken, he played in a cup match against Galatasaray and 1-2 matches in the league. His potential is very high. We completed his sale to Newcastle United. He is currently playing for us on loan.
“He is a very mature player for his age. His game vision and technical ability are also good. I think he will reach different levels as he plays more. I’m really curious how our teams didn’t see this in a situation like this. We transferred him to England.”
Newcastle have reportedly paid £2.9million to sign the Guinea international and have an option to recall him from his loan in January.
Your next NUFC read: 'Now or never' - Belgian journalist claims Newcastle United set to table £51m bid for World Cup forward.