West Brom: Ousmane Diakite hints at Hawthorns exit already days after contract extension
West Brom ace Ousmane Diakite is hoping for a “fruitful” transfer window despite just extending his contract at The Hawthorns.
Diakite‘s deal was set to run out this summer but West Brom activated an option to extend that by another year until 2027 on Wednesday.
Upon putting pen to paper at The Hawthorns, he said: “I’m so happy to be extending my stay here for another year. I’m really proud.
“This place feels like home. I love West Bromwich Albion, I love the fans and I love the people that work here.”
However, his latest comments appear to fly in the face of that, with it appearing that the midfielder wants to leave the Championship side at the end of the season after alleged transfer interest.
Ousmane Diakite hoping for good transfer news this summer
If West Brom get relegated to League One, players such as Diakite are unlikely to stick around and some fans may not blame him.
As the Baggies, who sit one point above the relegation zone, aim to beat the drop, the 25-year-old is, arguably, in a minority of players to come out with any credit from this campaign.
| Diakite’s 2025-26 season at West Brom | 31 games, 1 goal, 1 assist |
| Diakite’s 2024-25 season at West Brom | 24 games, no goals |
The Mali international said that teams in Saudi Arabia, England, and France have expressed an interest in signing him in the past.
Moreover, he suggested that this contract extension was done to facilitate a transfer exit, with a new deal meaning the Baggies can at least get a fee for him rather than losing him on a free.
The Mali international told Africa Foot: “Even though other clubs are interested, the one-year option has been activated, and negotiations will continue with interested clubs during the next summer transfer window to ensure we don’t miss this opportunity.
“Yes, of course, before the start of this season, several Saudi clubs expressed interest, with some even going so far as to revise their offers. I also received offers from England and France.
“However, having reached specific agreements before extending my contract with West Bromwich Albion, it was imperative to honour those commitments. That is why this announcement was made, as it is a step toward preparing for the future.
“God willing, I hope the next transfer window will be fruitful. My club is currently in negotiations with all interested clubs. My agent will then take care of the rest. God willing, we’ll have good news this summer, as several clubs have expressed interest in signing me.”
This may be disconcerting to many West Brom fans.
West Brom have bigger issues to deal with than Diakite
If Diakite is coming out with these sorts of comments, it seems West Brom figureheads understand that they may lose the 6ft 2in midfielder at the end of the season.
While that would be a blow – especially if they stay in the Championship, with James Morrison’s team languishing in 21st – they have bigger fish to fry right now.
West Brom have just eight games to prevent them dropping into the English third tier for the first time since 1991.
For a club of this size, stature, and finances, the Baggies should not be in this position. But questionable signings and strange managerial appointments this season has led them into this mess.
Morrison is trying to steady the ship but a lot of damage has been done. Next up, they travel to Bristol City as they seek to improve their wretched away form.
Only relegated Sheffield Wednesday have a worse record on their travels than West Brom and if they want to stay up, they needs to change and fast.
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