Yanga SC have officially entered the race to sign Daba Benoit Diakite, a 21-year-old defensive midfielder from Djoliba AC in Mali.
The young talent from West Africa is currently one of the most sought-after players on the continent, and Yanga see him as the ideal successor to Khalid Aucho, whose performance levels have been declining due to age.
Diakite has emerged as one of the most promising holding midfielders in Africa following an outstanding season with Djoliba. Despite his young age, he has shown impressive maturity, strong game-reading skills, solid defensive presence, and an ability to initiate attacking moves. This has caught the attention of top clubs in both Africa and Europe.
According to reports from Mali, Diakite has only one month remaining on his contract with Djoliba, which means he will become a free agent next month. This has made him a very attractive prospect for Yanga, who are keen to strengthen their midfield following the departure or decline of key players in that area.
Diakite is no ordinary player. European giants like Manchester United once sent scouts to monitor him, while Benfica of Portugal have also shown interest. On the African continent, Kaizer Chiefs (South Africa) and Esperance de Tunis (Tunisia) are among the clubs vying for his signature. This means Yanga face serious competition.
The midfielder has made it clear that he wants a special clause in his contract with Yanga—one that would allow him to leave immediately if he receives a good offer from Europe. This highlights his ambition to play at the highest level, and Yanga will need a convincing development plan to attract him.
Sources reveal that Diakite’s agent has a strong relationship with the Yanga management. In recent years, this agent has helped bring in four different players to the club, giving Yanga a clear advantage in negotiations and a better chance to seal the deal quickly.
Can Yanga pull off this signing and beat the giants of Africa and Europe? If they succeed, there’s no doubt they will have secured a gem in Diakite—a player who could not only strengthen their midfield immediately but also become a valuable asset for future transfer profits.
