Como have virtually closed a deal for Assane Diao, the 19-year-old attacker from Real Betis. The talented Spanish-Senegalese right winger is set to fly to Italy this week to complete his transfer to the Lombardy club. The details of the agreement have been confirmed, with Como paying €12 million for Diao’s transfer. Real Betis has also secured a sell-on clause as part of the deal.
Calciomercato report that behind the scenes, Como’s management had been working discreetly to establish contacts with the Spanish club’s leadership, leading to the successful conclusion of negotiations. The decisive factor in securing Diao’s commitment was the personal intervention of Cesc Fabregas, who directly contacted the player and convinced him to embrace Como’s project.
Diao’s arrival provides Fabregas with an additional option for his dynamic 4-2-3-1 formation. Primarily a right-footed player who prefers to operate on the right wing, Diao is versatile enough to play on the left, cutting inside to shoot or create chances for teammates. He can also function as a central striker when needed, utilizing his physicality and power.
Initially, Diao is expected to compete with Strefezza for a starting position. However, Fabregas could also use him as an alternative to Fadera or as a versatile forward alongside Cutrone, Belotti, and Gabrielloni. This flexibility gives Como an additional weapon in their fight for Serie A survival.
