Valencia CF are prepared to consider offers for Aliou Dieng during the January transfer window, despite the Mali midfielder having joined the club only three months ago.
Dieng arrived at Mestalla on 7 July as a free agent from Al Ahly and signed a two-season contract. However, according to Fichajes, Valencia may allow him to leave in January to create space in the squad and help rebalance the team.
The 28-year-old joined with the aim of establishing himself in Valencia’s midfield, but his position at the club has already become uncertain. Valencia are reportedly willing to assess a proposal if it suits their sporting and squad-planning needs.
Dieng has featured this season
Dieng has not been completely overlooked since the start of the campaign. He has played in all five Liga matches managed by Carlos Corberan, accumulating 227 minutes and making two starts.
However, injuries elsewhere in the squad have contributed to his opportunities. That factor could lessen the significance of his early involvement and may be behind the club’s reservations about his longer-term future.
Despite those concerns, the midfielder has still been given playing time in the opening stages of the season. His performances during the next few weeks could therefore prove important as Valencia assess whether he can remain part of the squad.
Aguirre yet to assess Mali international
Javier Aguirre’s arrival could still alter the situation. The incoming manager has not yet had the opportunity to work with Dieng and is expected to watch him in training before making a final decision.
That assessment period gives Dieng another chance to convince Aguirre that he deserves a place in the team’s midfield rotation. The Mali international will need to make an impression on his new manager before Valencia determine whether to retain him or facilitate a departure.
The club have not completely ruled out a January transfer. Fichajes reports that Valencia would study a possible offer if it met their interests, meaning Dieng’s stay at Mestalla could end considerably earlier than expected after his free transfer from Al Ahly.
Valencia’s next fixture will be against Racing Santander in the seventh round of the Spanish top flight. Dieng’s involvement in the coming matches, along with Aguirre’s evaluation of him, is likely to play a significant role in deciding his future.
