Bamba Dieng begins new chapter with Red Star Belgrade after failed Lazio move

Bamba Dieng has completed a move to Serbia, joining Red Star Belgrade after a number of potential transfers failed to materialise, including proposed switches to Nice, clubs in Turkey and Lazio.

The Senegal international has signed a two-year contract with the Serbian club. The agreement also includes an option for a further season, giving both Dieng and Red Star Belgrade the opportunity to extend their partnership beyond the initial deal.

The transfer follows the collapse of Dieng’s proposed move to Lazio, a development first reported exclusively by Africafoot. The 26-year-old forward, who previously played for Olympique de Marseille and Lorient, will now continue his career in Belgrade.

His arrival could give him the opportunity to return to European competition in the near future. Red Star Belgrade recorded a convincing 3-0 victory over Viktoria Plzen in the first leg of their play-off tie on Thursday, putting the club in a strong position as it pursues qualification for the UEFA Europa League.

Dieng moves to Serbia with renewed ambitions after a period of uncertainty over his next destination. At 26, the Senegal international is entering another significant stage of his career, having been linked with several clubs before reaching an agreement with Red Star Belgrade.

According to Transfermarkt, Dieng is currently valued at €15m. During his time with Lorient, he reportedly earned an annual salary of €900,000, equivalent to 585,000,000 CFA francs.

Red Star Belgrade’s European campaign remains central to the timing of the move. The club was scheduled to face Viktoria Plzen in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League qualifying play-offs, with the Serbian side subsequently taking a commanding advantage from the fixture.

The betting company 1xBet listed Red Star Belgrade as favourites for the match, offering odds of 1.82 for a home victory. A draw was priced at 3.95, while a win for Viktoria Plzen was listed at 4.10.

Dieng’s move brings an end to the speculation surrounding his future and confirms Serbia as the next destination in a career that has already included spells in France with Olympique de Marseille and Lorient. His contract provides two guaranteed seasons at Red Star Belgrade, with the possibility of remaining at the club for one additional year.