Habib Diallo set for a return to FC Metz five years on? | OneFootball

Senegalese striker eyes contract termination in Saudi Arabia and draws Metz's interest.

Habib Diallo / FC Metz 2020

Habib Diallo could be on his way back to FC Metz, the club he left in 2020. The striker is seeking to terminate his contract with Al-Shabab, where he has played for two seasons. Several French clubs, including Metz, are keeping a close watch for a potential Ligue 1 comeback.

Diallo has experienced a mixed journey since leaving Strasbourg for Al-Shabab in August 2023. Signed for €18 million after a 20-goal Ligue 1 campaign, the Senegal international has struggled to rediscover his usual scoring touch under the Saudi sun.

His stint at Al-Shabab yielded just 6 goals in 33 appearances during the 2023-2024 season, before a loan move to Damac FC where he netted 7 times and provided 3 assists in 28 matches. Facing adaptation challenges and seeking a more familiar environment, Habib Diallo is eager to close the Saudi chapter and has begun proceedings to secure an early release from his contract, which was originally set to run until 2026.

FC Metz are closely monitoring the situation and intend to move for him as soon as possible, according to French media. The Lorraine club's management know exactly what their former star can offer, having seen him shine during his two previous spells at the club. Between 2017 and 2020, and during his loan in 2018-2019, Habib Diallo established himself as a key figure at Saint-Symphorien. The Thiès native still feels a special connection to Metz and is not ruling out a return to his roots.