Aliou Dieng could leave Valence CF during the winter transfer window, only three months after joining the Spanish club on a free transfer from Al Ahly.
The Mali midfielder is no longer regarded as untouchable by Valence, who may be willing to facilitate his departure in January to rebalance the squad and create room for further additions.
Dieng arrived at Mestalla on 7 July after his contract with Al Ahly expired. The 28-year-old Mali international signed a two-year deal, having been brought in to strengthen Valence’s midfield. His move was previously announced exclusively by Africafoot.
However, according to Fichajes, Valence would be prepared to consider offers for Dieng when the transfer window reopens. The club’s willingness to listen is linked to its desire to free up space in the squad and provide scope to reinforce the team.
Dieng has featured despite uncertainty
Dieng has not been completely excluded from Carlos Corberan’s plans at the start of the season. He has appeared in all five of Valence’s Liga matches under the manager, recording 227 minutes and starting two of those games.
Much of that playing time has come because of a number of injuries within the squad. That factor has placed his involvement in context and may have contributed to the club’s reservations about his prospects over the medium term.
The situation could still change following the arrival of Javier Aguirre, who is due to take charge of the team. Aguirre has not yet had the opportunity to work with Dieng and intends to assess the midfielder in training before making a final decision about his future.
That assessment may give Dieng one final opportunity to convince his new manager that he deserves a place in the team’s rotation. His performances during the coming weeks are expected to play an important part in determining whether he remains at Mestalla.
January departure remains possible
Valence have not, however, ruled out selling the player. Fichajes reports that the club remains open to examining a proposal during the winter window, provided the terms suit its sporting and squad-building priorities.
Dieng joined Valence without a transfer fee after leaving Al Ahly, but his stay in Spain could end considerably sooner than the two-year contract originally suggested. The midfielder must now persuade Aguirre before Valence reaches a definitive decision on his future.
Valence will soon play their match in the seventh round of the Spanish league against Racing Santander.