Spanish media outlets have been reporting in recent hours that Valencia is keen to sign Malian midfielder Aliou Dieng from Egyptian club Al Ahly during the upcoming summer transfer window. According to the Spanish network "Tribuna Deportiva," Valencia sees Dieng as a valuable addition to their midfield and that the player has already signed a pre-contract agreement to join on a free transfer starting July 1, 2024.
General context and historical background
Aliou Dieng, the 26-year-old Malian international, joined Al Ahly in the summer of 2019 from MC Alger. Since his arrival, he has established himself as a key player in the team's lineup, thanks to his immense physical strength, ball-winning ability, and his dual role in linking defense and attack. Dieng has been instrumental in Al Ahly's numerous domestic and continental titles, most notably winning the CAF Champions League three times, making him a target for several European clubs over the years, particularly in the Turkish and French leagues.
Analysis of the accuracy of circulating news
Despite the Spanish network's confirmation of the deal's details, the information suggesting it was a "free transfer" raises several questions and contradicts established facts. Al Ahly had previously renewed Aliou Dieng's contract, extending it until June 30, 2026, meaning the player cannot leave for free in the summer of 2024. Any potential transfer before the end of his contract would necessitate formal negotiations between Valencia and Al Ahly to agree on a transfer fee, which has not yet been officially announced. Furthermore, reports claiming he had a trial with Saudi club Al-Kholoud are completely inaccurate, as the player did not leave Al Ahly on loan.
The importance of the deal and its expected impact
If the deal is officially completed, it will represent a significant step in Aliou Dieng's career, moving to one of the strongest leagues in the world (La Liga) and opening new horizons for him on the international stage. For Valencia, Dieng will be a strong addition to their midfield, which needs a player with high physical and defensive capabilities. As for Al Ahly, Dieng's departure will be a major technical loss, requiring the club's management to find a replacement of equal caliber to maintain the team's balance, especially given the intense competitions the club is participating in both domestically and continentally. Currently, the player's future remains uncertain, caught between press rumors and the reality of his contractual relationship with Al Ahly, which runs until 2026.
