West Brom have confirmed the signing of midfielder Ousmane Diakite as they kickstart their summer transfer window. Diakite, who turns 24 next month, was brought to Europe from his native Mali as a teenager by Red Bull Salzburg in Austria and, after a series of loan spells around Austria and Switzerland, he signed for TSV Hartberg in February 2023.
Diakite played 31 league matches last year and scored twice, including against former club Red Bull, but his 18-month deal expired with the club this summer and, having helped them to finish fifth in the Austrian Bundesliga, he has decided to move on. Albion have secured his services on a two year contract, with the option of a third year, subject to international clearance.
“I am delighted to be joining such a massive club,” he said. “It’s always been an ambition of mine to play in England and I just can’t wait to get started. I’m determined to succeed here and I will do everything I can to improve every single day.”
Albion boss Carlos Corberan added of Diakite: “Ousmane is a young, talented midfielder with the potential to continue his growth as a player in England. His personality on the ball will help us transition from defence to attack. He has experience abroad in Austria’s top league and has good physical attributes which will help him to adapt to the high demands of the Championship.”
Albion have an interesting summer ahead. They parted with a host of senior players at the end of their respective contracts earlier this summer, including midfield pair Yann M’Vila and Nathaniel Chalobah, so recruiting at least another midfielder was on the to do list of head of football operations Ian Pearce and his team.
Albion also await news on whether midfielder Alex Mowatt is to commit to the club with another deal; the midfielder was a regular throughout last year, in what was the third and final year of his expiring contract but an offer has been extended to him to remain at The Hawthorns.
Meanwhile, Albion will take on League Two Fleetwood Town in the first round of the EFL Cup in August. The draw took place on Thursday morning and Albion were placed in the northern side of the draw. They head to tackle the Cod Army at Highbury in the week commencing 12 August, in what’ll be the first competitive meeting between the two clubs in their respective histories
