WBA transfer blow as Celtic, Ajax enter race for impressive winger

Jo Harrison

West Brom‘s hopes of signing loanee Grady Diangana on a permanent deal have taken a hit, as Ajax and Celtic have entered the race for the West Ham winger.

Diangana has been a huge part of West Brom’s pursuit of Premier League football, which sees them currently second in the Championship, potentially two games from a return to the top flight.

The England U21 international has played 28 games for the Baggies this season, scoring seven and assisting six.

He is believed to be valued at around £15-20m, and has attracted interest from Premier League sides Everton and Newcastle. However, if West Brom gain promotion, they will fancy their chances of attracting Diangana permanently.

However, with Celtic and Ajax entering the fray, it will likely all be in the hands of Diangana himself to decide his future.

West Brom will hope Diangana wants to remain with the side that have helped him develop into one of the league’s hottest talents. He has been quoted saying he believes it is vital to his development that he continues playing regular football next season – so he could decide to stay at the Hawthorns where he is already an integral part of the team.

 

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However, it really must be difficult for a young player like Diangana to turn a blind eye to the promise of European football that Ajax and Celtic can offer.

The Dutch club are renowned for developing young players, and the successes of Jadon Sancho seems to be inspiring young English players to move abroad.

Celtic’s fan base along with their constant success in Scotland is bound to be attractive also, so it will be interesting to see what Diangana decides once this season is over.