West Bromwich Albion and Queens Park Rangers are seeking the same free-agent striker during the summer window.
According to Pete O’Rourke on X, the Championship rivals are ‘plotting moves’ for Lorient attacker Bamba Dieng, who confirmed his departure from the Brittany club in May.
In 22 games in the French top flight, the 26-year-old Senegalese international scored 10 goals and assisted one. In the Coupe de France, he scored five goals in three matches.
Last month, Dieng wrote a goodbye letter on Instagram, saying, “After some great years at the club, the time has come for me to turn an important page in my career.”
West Brom are expected to beat QPR to free-agent Bamba Dieng deal.
Callum Burgess, FLW’s Baggies Fan Pundit, believes the move would benefit both West Brom and the Championship as a whole.”I believe Bamba Dieng would be an excellent signing for most Championship clubs,” he stated.I can’t claim to be an expert about him, but he’s coming off the best season of his career, and definitely in Ligue 1 – I think that’s a league that translates well into the Championship.”
Dieng nearly skipped the English second division and went directly to the Premier League a few years back…
Dieng appeared to be on the verge of a move to Leeds United in the summer of 2022, but Nice abruptly hijacked the deal, only for the forward to flunk a medical at the Ligue 1 club.
He then spent several years in and out of form and fitness, including an underwhelming loan spell at Angers in 24/25 where he managed just three league goals from 18 appearances
Even still, West Brom’s need for extra forwards is evident.
Daryl Dyke has, of course, left The Hawthorns after four and a half years and 11 goals in 68 appearances, while the Black Country club is still waiting to hear from Maja on whether he will accept the contract offer.
That is why Burgess believes his side will have the advantage against QPR this summer. According to the Fan Pundit, the departure of Dyke and Maja may leave only [Aune] Heggebo as the front-runner.If Morrison decides to stick with a front two next season, Dieng and one additional striker would provide us with an excellent striker pairing alongside Heggebo.”
Bamba Dieng predicted to make strong West Brom partnership with Aune Heggebo
Burgess concluded his verdict on Dieng signing for West Brom by telling FLW, “Hopefully Heggebo can find a bit more consistency and if Dieng can continue the form he’s shown in Ligue 1 – he can be a good striker for us.”
Despite being the Baggies’ leading goalscorer this season, with 10 in all competitions, Heggebo suffered a 17-match drought that lasted until December.
So, Burgess – and probably the majority of WBA’s fanbase – can support the idea that a free, in-form striker could relieve some of the pressure off Heggebo.
However, with QPR also understood to be interested, West Brom obviously cannot afford to be complacent. Leeds almost bought him for a reputed sum of £10 million, so it may be a very wise signing.
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