Pape Demba Diop: RC Strasbourg considering loan move for the Senegalese midfielder | OneFootball

The Senegalese midfielder could leave Strasbourg this summer.

Pape Demba Diop / RC Strasbourg

Pape Demba Diop is not part of RC Strasbourg's plans for the 2025/26 season. Having arrived this summer from Zulte Waregem, the Alsatian club is already looking to loan out the Senegal U20 international to help him gain valuable game time and continue his development in a competitive environment.

The 21-year-old Senegalese talent is regarded as a holding midfielder with significant potential. After making his mark in Senegal with Diambars FC, he went on to impress in Belgium, joining Zulte Waregem in 2022. Despite the club's relegation, his individual performances caught the eye of several European clubs, including Strasbourg, who decided to invest in him this summer transfer window.

However, given the competition within the Strasbourg squad and the club's ambition to finish in the top half of Ligue 1, it's difficult to immediately integrate the young Senegalese into the rotation. As a result, a loan move without a buy option is being considered to ensure he gets regular minutes and can progress steadily.

Le Havre interested, but with conditions

According to the French press, Le Havre AC—looking to reinforce their midfield after a few departures—are closely monitoring the Pape Demba Diop situation. The player's profile fits perfectly with what the Le Havre staff is seeking: a solid midfielder, capable of winning back possession and starting attacks cleanly. However, the Normandy club must first free up a spot in their professional squad to comply with Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) regulations. Internal discussions are underway to find a solution, either through a transfer or an outgoing loan.

For Strasbourg, this loan fits into a broader strategy of allowing young signings to mature in favorable contexts before fully integrating them into the first team. The progress of Pape Demba Diop will therefore be closely monitored by the Alsatian management, who hope he will return stronger and ready to take on the Ligue 1 challenge.