Torino are poised to sign forward Bamba Dieng from French Ligue 1 side Lorient when his contract expires at the end of June, according to reports in Italy. The 23-year-old Senegal international will arrive at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino on a free transfer, representing a significant coup for the Serie A club.
Dieng primarily plays as a central striker but is also capable of featuring on either wing, offering Torino manager Ivan Juric tactical flexibility. He joined Lorient in 2021 from FC Sochaux-Montbéliard and has established himself as a regular in the French top flight, scoring six goals in 30 league appearances last season. He also represented Senegal at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, featuring in all three of their group stage matches.
Torino have been tracking Dieng for some time, with former sporting director Gianluca Petrachi initially identifying him as a potential target. The club are looking to bolster their attacking options ahead of the 2023-24 season, and Dieng’s arrival could see a reshuffle in Juric’s forward line. Torino finished mid-table in Serie A last season, and strengthening their attack is seen as crucial to improving their goalscoring record.
Lorient will be disappointed to lose a valuable asset for free, but the club were unable to agree on an extension to Dieng’s contract. The player’s representatives reportedly engaged in negotiations with several clubs across Europe, but Dieng ultimately chose to join Torino, attracted by the prospect of playing in Serie A and the project being built by Juric. The move provides Dieng with a platform to further develop his game and increase his profile on the European stage.
Dieng’s arrival will likely increase competition for places in Torino’s attack, challenging existing forwards for a starting role. The signing represents a shrewd piece of business for Torino, securing a promising young talent without a transfer fee, and potentially adding a new dimension to their attacking play.
