Malian defender Salim Diakite joins Zulte Waregem on loan from Palermo

Mali international Salim Diakite has joined Belgian Pro League side Zulte Waregem from Italian club Palermo on a season-long loan deal with an option to buy.

The 26-year-old right-back will spend the 2026/27 season in Belgium as he looks to make an impact at his new club and continue his development.

Diakite leaves Palermo after establishing himself in Italian football, with the move to Zulte Waregem offering him the opportunity to experience a new league.

The Belgian club have also secured an option to make the transfer permanent at the end of the season, meaning Diakite could remain in Belgium if he impresses during his loan spell.

The Malian international is already excited about the new challenge and revealed that his early discussions with the club convinced him to make the move.

“I’m very excited about taking this next step in my career. I had a very good feeling about the team right from our first conversations and was quickly convinced to come to Waregem,” Diakite said.

“Now that I’ve had the chance to meet everyone and see the facilities, I can’t wait to represent Essevee.”

Diakite will now turn his attention to the new Belgian campaign, where he will hope to establish himself as a key player and potentially earn a permanent move to Zulte Waregem.