Senegal international Bamba Dieng has completed his move to Red Star Belgrade, signing a two-year contract with the Serbian club with an option to extend the agreement for another season.
The 26-year-old striker completed his medical examinations before putting pen to paper on the deal, bringing an end to his search for a new club after leaving French side Lorient.
Red Star confirmed the signing during the summer transfer window, with Dieng becoming the latest addition to their squad as they prepare for the new campaign.
The Senegalese forward did not have to wait long to begin life at his new club. Shortly after the transfer was confirmed, Dieng joined his new team-mates for his first training session in Belgrade.
His arrival marks the beginning of a new chapter in a career that has already taken him across several European leagues.
Dieng was a free agent after his contract with Lorient ended. He had attracted interest from several clubs following a strong second half of last season, with French side Nice among those linked with a move for the forward.
A transfer to Italian club Lazio also appeared close to completion before the deal collapsed following his medical examination.
That setback left Dieng without a club, but Red Star moved to secure his services after reaching an agreement with the Senegal international.
The Serbian club’s decision to offer Dieng a two-year contract, with the possibility of an additional year, provides the striker with an opportunity to regain stability after a summer dominated by uncertainty over his next destination.
Dieng’s move to Red Star also represents another step in his European career. The striker has previously played in France and has established himself as a Senegal international.
His latest spell at Lorient ended with renewed interest in his services, particularly after an impressive second half of the campaign.
The failed move to Lazio was a significant setback, with the Italian club unable to complete the transfer after the medical process. Dieng has now successfully completed his medical with Red Star, allowing the Serbian club to finalise the agreement.
The striker is expected to bring additional attacking options to Red Star as the club look ahead to the new season.
For Dieng, the immediate priority will be to settle into his new surroundings and build on the form that attracted interest from clubs in France and Italy.
His first training session suggests there will be little time for adjustment, with the Senegalese forward already working alongside his new team-mates.
The contract gives Dieng two guaranteed seasons at Red Star, while the optional third year could extend his stay depending on how his spell develops.
