West Bromwich Albion are eyeing a summer swoop for FC Sion defender Gora Diouf as they look to strengthen on a free transfer.
The Championship club have reportedly made contact with the player’s camp, but face stiff competition from Turkey.
Baggies Eye Free Transfer for Senegalese Centre-Back
The 23-year-old is out of contract this summer and looks unlikely to extend his stay in Switzerland, prompting interest from across Europe.
The Senegalese defender joined Sion from local club Étoile Lusitana in 2022 and has impressed with 24 appearances this season. His performances have attracted attention from several clubs, but West Brom are the only English side named as actively pursuing a deal.
The report claims the Baggies have already made contact with Diouf’s representatives, laying the groundwork for a potential free transfer. However, they are not alone in the race—Turkish Super Lig sides Trabzonspor and Samsunspor are also keen, with both clubs understood to have made concrete offers.
Sion are believed to be resigned to losing Diouf for nothing, with the player yet to show any intention of renewing his deal. That creates a valuable market opportunity for West Brom, who are expected to operate under tight financial constraints this summer as they continue to navigate ongoing ownership and budgetary uncertainty.
While no formal offer has been reported from Albion’s side, their interest appears genuine, and the player is said to be entering “intense discussions” before deciding on his next destination. With the Turkish clubs already making moves, West Brom may have to act quickly to stay in the race.
Diouf is known for his athleticism and positional awareness, qualities that would bolster the Baggies’ defensive options heading into the 2025/26 campaign. With several West Brom defenders entering the final years of their contracts, the potential addition of a young and mobile centre-back could prove a smart piece of long-term planning.
Writer’s View
This is the kind of deal West Brom need to be looking at. Gora Diouf fits the profile of an emerging player with upside, and the fact he’s available on a free only increases his appeal. With the Baggies likely to be conservative with spending this summer, Diouf offers an affordable solution in an area that may need reinforcing.
However, the competition from Turkey—where clubs have a track record of offering lucrative contracts—shouldn’t be underestimated. If West Brom are serious, they’ll need to move quickly and make a strong pitch to the player.