Valencia poised to sign Aliou Dieng as second 2026/27 addition | OneFootball

Aliou Dieng is expected to become Valencia’s second signing for 2026/27, though it is not yet official. According to Superdeporte, talks that collapsed weeks ago were revived with a view to a June arrival, a move the Malian has long been open to.

Valencia now have two summer additions lined up, Justin De Haas and Dieng. The Dutch centre-back, currently at Famaliçao, was first and has already been seen in the city, while Dieng is set to report to Carlos Corberán for pre-season.

Valencia had targeted a ‘6’ since the winter window and Dieng fits that role. Guido arrived in January on a deal to the end of the season and the club are pleased with him, but that did not close the door on another signing. A renewal for the Argentine is intended, yet it remains uncertain.

Guido and Dieng offer different profiles. The Argentine is more positional, tidy and tactically ordered, while the Malian is more physical, covers ground and is likelier to step forward in attack, with his power aiding defensive work. Tactically he is an unknown, as he has never played in European football, so adaptation may take time.

Born in 1997, Dieng turns 29 in October, entering what is often seen as a player’s peak. It would be his first move outside Africa, which could prompt some doubts.

He is not signed for goals. This season he has one in 31 matches, last term he scored three in 32, and he has 12 goals and 12 assists in his career.

Squad planning will follow, with the club potentially carrying four pivots next season, Guido if he renews, Pepelu, Santamaría and Dieng. The Frenchman is the likeliest to depart, having been close in January and struggling to settle.

Source: Superdeporte