Valencia Agree Deal to Sign Al-Ahly Midfielder Aliou Dieng
Valencia have secured the signing of Mali international midfielder Aliou Dieng on a free transfer, according to reports from Marca. The 28-year-old will join from Egyptian giants Al-Ahly this summer, having signed a pre-contract agreement for a three-year deal at Mestalla.
The move bolsters a Valencia midfield that is expected to see changes ahead of next season. The report notes that Dieng's arrival does not preclude the club from also retaining the services of experienced Argentine midfielder Guido Rodriguez, whose contract situation remains unresolved. Dieng brings considerable experience from his successful spell at Al-Ahly, where he established himself as a key figure in midfield, winning multiple domestic and continental titles.
Valencia's activity appears to be part of a broader summer restructuring under sporting director Ron Gourlay. The club is also monitoring Al-Ahly goalkeeper Oufa Shobeir, according to ONtime Sports via MD, as they face uncertainty in that position. Julen Agirrezabala is set to return to Athletic Club after his loan, while first-choice Stole Dimitrievski's contract expires this summer.
Meanwhile, the future of right-back Thierry Correia is in doubt. MD reports that PSV Eindhoven could be interested in a free transfer for the Portuguese defender if Sergino Dest departs the Dutch club. Gourlay has confirmed talks over a renewal for Correia are ongoing but have not yet advanced significantly.
Elsewhere in La Liga, the managerial market is active. Marca confirms that Ajax have opened negotiations with Girona regarding their highly-rated manager Michel Sanchez, who is out of contract at the end of the season. Ajax sporting director Jordi Cruyff is reportedly driving the pursuit. At the same club, there is speculation that Girona could look to move on from former Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek, who has endured another injury-disrupted season.
In Galicia, Celta Vigo are working to tie down defender Carl Starfelt to a new contract. The Swedish centre-back confirmed to MD that informal talks have begun with his agent, with his current deal running until 2027. Celta are also competing with Espanyol for the signature of Elche playmaker Aleix Febas, according to RadioMarca. The 28-year-old midfielder is out of contract this summer, with Osasuna also trailing in the race.
Osasuna's own interests lie with Real Oviedo midfielder Alvaro Reina, as per MD. Manager Alessio Lisci is keen to reunite with the 28-year-old, having worked with him previously at Mirandes. Oviedo, however, face a battle to keep their squad intact as they fight relegation. Loanee Santiago Colombatto has publicly stated his desire to stay at the club regardless of the division, though his future is controlled by his parent club, Club Leon. Goalkeeper Aaron Escandell, a standout performer, was more guarded about his plans, telling MD his focus is solely on the survival fight.
