The league’s top foreign goalscorer is widely reported to be on the verge of a transfer to the Middle East.
Galatasaray striker Mbaye Diagne has dropped a major hint that he is edging closer to severing ties with the Turkish Super Lig champions.
In the late hours of Saturday evening, the Senegal international removed Galatasaray from the profile description of his official Instagram account.
Despite finishing as last season’s top goalscorer with 30 goals to his name, Diagne has been an unpopular figure at Galatasaray since arriving for €13 million from Kasimpasa in January.
Heavily criticized for his lackluster performances, heavy focus on living a lavish lifestyle which the club feels is affecting his game and failing to make an impact during big games, the club’s fans have called for his transfer away from the team. Parts of the backroom staff are also reported to be unhappy with the player’s performances since his arrival.
With no official interest from European teams, Galatasaray have offered the player to clubs from oil-rich nations such as Saudi Arabia in order to recoup what they spent on the striker.
The 27-year-old has garnered some interest from Saudi Arabia’s Al Shabab, according to reports in Turkey. Diagne has also began to follow some of Al Shabab’s players on his official Instagram page in recent days.
Galatasaray are rumoured to be in talks with Al Shabab over a potential sale and a deal could be announced in the coming days.
Meanwhile, The Lions are in advanced talks to sign Swedish international Jimmy Durmaz, who is on his way out of Toulouse. The player’s agent, Martin Dahlin, has asked Galatasaray for a €1 million-per-year contract for his client in addition to a €1 million signing bonus on the strength that Toulouse are interested in extending his contract and serious interest from clubs in Spain.
However, due to financial restrictions, Galatasaray had initially offered a salary of €600,000 per season and a €400,000 signing bonus. The two parties are reported to be on the verge of striking a deal somewhere in the middle.
