Senegal U20 winger Clayton Diandy joins Al Diriyah in €4.6m deal

Senegal Under-20 international Clayton Diandy has completed a permanent transfer to Saudi Pro League newcomers Al Diriyah after the club activated the option to buy him following a successful loan spell.

The 19-year-old winger joins Al Diriyah from Greek side Aris Thessaloniki in a deal reported to be worth €4.6 million.

The move follows an impressive campaign in which the youngster played a leading role in helping the Saudi club secure promotion to the country’s top division.

Diandy spent last season on loan with Al Diriyah and quickly established himself as one of the team’s standout performers.

Across 30 appearances, he scored seven goals and registered seven assists, making a significant contribution as the club achieved a historic promotion to the Saudi Pro League.

His performances convinced the club’s management to make the move permanent, ending his brief stay with Aris Thessaloniki after just one season.

The winger began his football journey in Senegal, developing through the youth ranks of the Espoirs de Guédiawaye Academy before earning a move to Greece in 2024.

His transfer to Aris Thessaloniki was viewed as an important step in his development, but his loan spell in Saudi Arabia has now paved the way for a long-term future with Al Diriyah.

Despite his young age, Diandy has already gained international experience with Senegal’s Under-20 national team.

He represented the Young Lions at the most recent Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations, where Senegal reached the quarter-finals before their campaign came to an end.

His displays at both club and international level have underlined his growing reputation as one of Senegal’s promising young attacking talents.

The permanent transfer also marks another milestone in Diandy’s career, with the forward now set to test himself in the Saudi Pro League following Al Diriyah’s promotion.

After playing a central role in the club’s successful push for top-flight football, Diandy will now look to build on that momentum as Al Diriyah prepare for their first season in the Saudi Pro League.

The move provides continuity for both player and club, with Al Diriyah retaining one of the key figures behind their promotion-winning campaign while Diandy continues his development in familiar surroundings after an impressive first season in Saudi Arabia.