Alaves keen to retain Ibrahim Diabate but seek lower transfer fee

Deportivo Alaves are hoping to keep Ibrahim Diabate beyond this season, but they want to lower the price tag first.

The Spanish club loaned the former GAIS striker in the winter and now want to negotiate a cheaper permanent deal.

Diabate made a strong impression in Sweden before the move. After joining GAIS on a free transfer from Vasteras SK ahead of 2025, the Ivorian quickly became a key player and finished his breakthrough Allsvenskan season with 18 goals and five assists in 29 league matches. That form made him the shared top scorer in the league.

Since moving to La Liga, the 26-year-old has already scored twice in nine appearances, six of them as a starter. One of those goals came in a 1-0 win over Barcelona, a result that underlined his value to Alaves.

The club’s purchase option is understood to be set at 2.5 million euros, but Alaves reportedly hope GAIS will accept a lower fee. The Basque side are 14th in La Liga heading into the final round.