£5m international striker linked with Portsmouth and Hull City available on free transfer as announcement made
Pompey are keen to reinforce their forward department by signing a front-line striker this summer
Reported Pompey target Bamba Dieng has announced he is leaving FC Lorient this summer.
The £5m-rated striker has confirmed he will leave the Ligue 1 outfit upon the expiration of his contract next month, teeing up a transfer scramble for the soon-to-be free agent’s signature.
The Senegal international, who has been included in Pape Thiaw’s squad for next month’s World Cup Finals, will leave the Stade du Moustoir after registering 15 goals in all competitions this season - including 10 in the league as Lorient finished ninth in the table.
His overall record for Les Merlus, following his move from Marseille in January 2023, is 23 goals in 58 appearances.
Announcing is departure on Instagram, the 26-year-old said: ‘To the entire FC Lorient family, after many wonderful years at the club, the time has come for me to turn an important page in my career.
‘I would like to sincerely thank the club, the staff, my team-mates, and of course, the fans for the trust, support, and love you have shown me throughout this adventure.
‘Wearing this jersey has been an honor, and I will cherish the wonderful memories of all the moments I've experienced here. Thank you to the fans for your loyalty and support, through thick and thin.
‘FC Lorient will always hold a special place in my heart and I wish the club all the best for the future. ‘
Pompey keen to sign front-line striker this summer
Pompey were linked with a move for the 26-year-old in April, with the Blues keen to add to their central striker options in the summer.
Reinforcements are needed, with Colby Bishop ending the campaign with just four goals in all ompetitions.
The News understands that the Blues, who have also been linked with Plymouth Argyle’s Bim Pepple, are weighing up options abroad in search of a front-line attacker who can add extra quality to their forward department.
An interest in Dieng has been denied. However, that stance might be understanble given that Dieng is attracting interest from some of the biggest clubs in Europe.
Beaten Europa League finalists Freiburg, fellow Bundesliga side Hoffenheim, and La Liga outfits Real Betis and Sevilla have also been linked with a move for the striker this summer.
Championship play-off finalists Hull have also been linked with Dieng.
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