Fabrizio Romano has detailed the bargain fee Leeds will be paying to land Marseille and Senegal attacker Bamba Dieng on a permanent basis – costing the Whites a total package of just £8.5m, while Dan James is set to leave for Fulham.
Dieng, 22, impressed at Marseille last season. Despite only starting 17 of his 36 league and cup appearances, Dieng had a hand in 11 goals – scoring eight and creating three. But this season, he has been ostracised from the squad.
Reports earlier this month stated that Leeds were not the only club keeping tabs on the 11-time Senegal ace. Indeed, Newcastle and Celtic have looked at a move for Dieng. But on deadline day, Leeds have made their move, eventually.
Fabrizio Romano reports that with James off on loan to Fulham, the Whites are set to complete the signing of Dieng. The Italian reporter says Leeds will pay a total package of just £8.5million to land the Marseille ace on deadline day.
Romano: Leeds paying just £8.5m to land Dieng, James off to Fulham
It is really good business from Leeds – and quick, too. Victor Orta only arrived back at Elland Road this morning after trying to persuade PSV Eindhoven attacker Cody Gakpo to join Leeds. Gakpo was expected to join Orta in returning.
However, Gakpo had a change of heart – leaving Orta empty-handed. Fast forward a few hours, and Leeds are making a signing in the form of Dieng. Much cheaper than Gakpo would have been at almost a quarter of the price.
But Dieng is certainly a talent. He has already proven in a tougher standard of league that he can score goals. That is, compared to Gakpo. It is a low-risk signing, but ticks boxes for Leeds. They need to replace James, and a striker.
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