Alpha Diounkou: NK Celje linked with move for free-agent Senegal-Spain right-back

NK Celje are being linked with a move for Senegal-Spain defender Alpha Diounkou, who is currently without a club after leaving Omonia Nicosia.

Diounkou, a 24-year-old right-back, is available on a free transfer and is valued at around 700,000, making him an accessible target as Celje look towards the new Prva Liga campaign.

The 1.84m defender, who prefers to play on the right and is right-footed, departed Omonia at the start of July after a year in Cyprus in which his market value rose compared with his earlier career in Spain.

Before his spell at Omonia, Diounkou enjoyed a rapid rise through European football, moving from Granada CF to AEK Larnaca on loan in 2023-24 and previously featuring for Barcelona Atletic and San Fernando in Spain.

His early development included time with Manchester Citys youth and under-21 sides, where his valuation increased significantly as a teenager, underlining the potential that first attracted clubs across Europe.

Diounkous most recent valuation update came in June 2026, shortly before his departure from Omonia, following a steady climb from his earlier figures at AEK Larnaca and in Spanish lower divisions.

No agreement has been reached and the rumoured interest currently centres on Celje exploring a possible free transfer for the versatile right-back.