Carlos Corberan may have struck gold with 23-year-old midfield signing: View

West Bromwich Albion have secured their first summer signing by completing the free transfer of Mali midfielder Ousmane Diakite on a two-year contract.

Diakite has signed an initial two-year contract at The Hawthorns, with a further year’s option at the club’s discretion. The 23-year-old joins Albion from Austrian Bundesliga side TSV Hartberg.

Diakite represents the inaugural summer signing for Baggies head coach Carlos Corberan, who lauded the midfielder’s versatility and potential.

Corberan expressed via the club’s website: “Ousmane is a young, skilled midfielder poised to further develop in England.

His ball-handling prowess will aid our defensive-to-offensive transitions. Having excelled in Austria’s top league, he brings valuable experience and strong physical attributes conducive to meeting the Championship’s rigorous demands.”

Diakite’s 2023/24 campaign with TSV was impressive

Diakite made 34 appearances last season, scoring two goals, but also received two red cards. His contributions helped his team achieve a commendable fifth-place finish in the Austrian Bundesliga.

Previously, he had spells with SCR Altach in Austria and St. Gallen in Switzerland, but it was at Hartberg where his career saw significant advancement. The midfielder made notable strides in personal development and showed rapid improvement.

Although he didn’t play for them, Diakite was once part of Red Bull Salzburg, known for nurturing young talents with high potential. Many of their graduates have gone on to successful careers elsewhere, making Diakite an exciting prospect for Baggies fans.

Since moving to Austria from his homeland in 2018, Diakite underwent several loan spells before joining Hartberg permanently in 2023 on a one-year contract. This move paid off for Hartberg, as they climbed from 10th to an impressive fifth place in the Bundesliga standings.

Diakite played a pivotal role in their midfield dominance, known for his combative style and long, powerful strides that enable him to win challenges and retain possession effectively under pressure. His ability to both recover and distribute the ball cleanly has been crucial for Hartberg’s success.

West Brom may have landed gem in Ousmane Diakite despite knee injury risk

Scouted Football, known for their insightful player evaluations, have expressed admiration for Diakite’s transfer to West Brom despite concerns over his previous knee injuries, which affected his progress following a promising loan stint at St. Gallen. This may explain why Red Bull Salzburg chose to part ways with him.

The praise is significant, though the outcome remains uncertain as to whether he can live up to their expectations. On paper, Diakite appears capable of filling the void left by Yokuslu and elevating West Brom’s midfield under Corberan, who himself has spoken highly of Diakite’s attributes.

He brings a blend of composure, power, elegance, and energy, coupled with the physical strength necessary for Championship football. This signing, on a free transfer with potential high rewards, could indeed be among the standout deals in this Championship transfer window so far, despite its initial risks.