Who is Assane Diao? The 18-year-old Spanish sensation eyed by Chelsea, Liverpool & Man Utd
Tom Weber
- Updated: 9 Nov 2023 17:00 GMT
- 5 min read
Assane Diao is taking Spain by storm - and he has only played 10 senior games so far!
The 18-year-old forward scored in three of his first four outings after bursting onto the scene and he is already stealing the show at Real Betis despite his tender years. But who is Assane Diao and how good is he really?
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What position does Diao play in?
Assane Diao is a winger who has mostly been deployed on the left, but he can also feature on the opposite flank.
😱 El drama de Vindhal lo aprovecha Assane Diao, que está tocado por una varita. #LaCasadelFútbol #UEL pic.twitter.com/Cs0G3GyM50
— Fútbol en Movistar Plus+ (@MovistarFutbol) October 5, 2023
How good is Diao?
Born in Senegal, Diao represents Spain at the youth level. Growing up in Badajoz near the Spanish border with Portugal, Diao initially came through the youth system of a local club in Cadiz, the city where his twin brother Ousseynou still plays - he features for Cadiz CF.
Assane made the switch to Real Betis in 2021, playing for the club's reserves last season, scoring four goals and making two assists in 20 games in the Spanish fourth tier. He started the current campaign at Betis Balompie as well but after scoring twice in four games, he was called up to the senior side.
He made the first team bench in the 5-0 demolition at the hands of Barcelona but didn't get on the pitch. His debut did come just a few days later in the Europa League away at Rangers, however. He then featured against Granada and Valencia in the league as well as against Sparta Prague in Europe, scoring in each of these games.
The 18-year-old thus became the youngest player to score in his first two LaLiga matches this century, yet despite his goalscoring exploits, he was initially a midfielder. Now, however, he is an explosive, ambidextrous wide forward who boasts great movement and skills, while also being a decent physical presence for his young age at 185cm (6ft 1in).
Real Betis Academy Director Miguel Calzado recently told El Desmarque: "He is a player with huge growth potential, that’s clear to see from his first matches with Betis. We could see it when he was in the academy, too…he learns very quickly."
READ: Who is Ander Barrenetxea? Real Sociedad winger starring in the Champions League
18-year-old Assane Diao is at it again.
3 goals in 3 games for Betis 👏👏👏#UEL pic.twitter.com/KoPjAI8M7u— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) October 5, 2023
What clubs are interested in Diao?
The youngster has only just burst onto the scene, but scouts of Europe's elite were already tracking him prior to this season. He reportedly generated "significant interest" from Liverpool, Chelsea, RB Leipzig and Real Madrid, but Betis were quick to tie him down to a long-term deal with a €30 million release clause.
Nevertheless, the interest has only become more concrete since, with Chelsea reportedly at the front of the queue in pushing for his signature. Man Utd have also reportedly entered the race.
When does Diao's contract expire?
Diao's Real Betis contract expires on June 30, 2027.
How old is Diao?
Diao was born on September 7, 2005, making him 18 years old.
What is Diao's Instagram?
Diao's Instagram account is @assandiao.8 and has 42.7k followers as of October 2023.
