Chris Byfield
Fabrizio Romano has claimed Pape Daouda Diong is set to join Chelsea. But who is the Senegalese wonderkid?
Transfer guru Romano claimed Diong was at Stamford Bridge for Chelsea’s penalties victory over Newcastle United on Tuesday evening, and is set to sign for Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
Romano said: “Chelsea are closing in on a deal to sign Senegal U17 midfielder Pape Daouda Diong from AF Darou Salam! Deal almost done.
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“Pape was pictured at Stamford Bridge yesterday close to Kendry Páez.
“Born in 2006, Diong will be able to join in June 2024 when he will turn 18.”
So, who is Diong? The young central midfielder currently plies his trade in his native Senegal at the Foot Darou Salam academy in Dakar.
As mentioned, Diong, who stands at 1.90m (6ft2) tall, will reportedly sign for Chelsea after his 18th birthday in June 2024 at which point he will most likely join up with the club’s development team.
Diong would have caught Chelsea’s attention at the U17 World Cup earlier this month in Indonesia.
There the teenager showed all the qualities a modern midfielder requires by proving he is both defensively proficient but also technically sound,
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In fact, the youngster won more of his defensive duals (85.2 per cent) than any other player in the group stage, according to Wyscout.
After edging past Argentina and dispatching Poland in the group stages, Senegal were ultimately eliminated from the tournament in the round of 16, losing to France on penalties after playing out a 0-0 draw.
On Tuesday, Diong witnessed Mauricio Pochettino’s side come from behind to beat Newcastle on penalties.
The victory secured the Blues’ place in the Carabao Cup semi-final, where they will either play Fulham, Middlesbrough, Liverpool or West Ham United