West Bromwich Albion managed to lure Mbaye Diagne away from Galatasaray by offering the striker regular game time in the Premier League, agent Fatih Ilek said in quotes reported by Haber7.
With funds tight at The Hawthorns, Sam Allardyce always knew that finding a number nine before Monday’s transfer deadline would not be easy.
But, after links with Josh King, Kasper Junker and Christian Benteke came and went, it seems the Baggies are finally on the verge of strengthening a position that has caused them problems all season long.
Diagne is not only a prolific goal-scorer (netting 11 times in 19 matches this season), he also gives West Brom something they didn’t have before; a powerful, penalty-box presence capable of bullying defenders with his 6ft 4ins frame and giving Matheus Pereira something to play off.
According to the Sun, Diagne has already undergone a medical after agreeing an initial loan deal until the end of the season.
He could now make his Premier League debut in Saturday’s clash with fellow strugglers Fulham.
“West Bromwich Albion gave him guarantees of continuous game time. He’s actually happy in Galatasaray, but he agreed because he thought he could have more time there,” Ilek explained.
“Diagne is going to England. Correspondence has been done; this is done. He is going on loan, but there is a mandatory purchase option.
“It is a great transfer for Galatasaray because I think Diagne does not fit into (Galatasaray coach) Fatih Terim’s system.”
Ilek added that Diagne earns around £40,000-a-week in Istanbul. It remains to be seen how much West Brom will pay the 29-year-old Senegal international.
Although, if Diagne fires Allardyce’s side to safety, he will be worth every single penny.
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