Aliou Dieng: Valencia linked with move for free-agent Mali midfielder

Mali defensive midfielder Aliou Dieng, currently without a club, is being linked with a move to La Liga side Valencia as the 28-year-old free agent weighs up his next step after his contract expired.

Dieng, who stands at 1.84m and is valued at €3.00m on Transfermarkt, is available on a free transfer, making him an attractive option for Valencia as they look to reinforce their midfield without a transfer fee. The reported probability of the move remains unclear, listed only as “?” in the latest market update dated 2 July 2026.

Born in Bamako on 16 October 1997, the right-footed holding midfielder has built a reputation as a screening presence in front of the back four, with his primary role listed as defensive midfield. He is currently registered as “Without Club” after the end of his most recent deal, and any switch to Mestalla would therefore be a straightforward free-agent signing rather than a traditional transfer.

Recent data places Dieng’s market value at €3.00m, underlining the sense in Spain that Valencia could secure a player with top-flight pedigree at minimal cost. As a free agent, he would only require wages and a potential signing-on fee, a profile increasingly favoured by clubs managing tight financial controls.

Dieng’s most recent competitive outings, including a late-season appearance in which his side recorded a narrow win – details of the opponent and exact scoreline were not listed in the latest database update – highlighted the combative, ball-winning qualities that have long defined his game. That performance, coming shortly before his contract situation was clarified, helped sustain interest in him once he officially became unattached.

If Valencia choose to firm up their interest, a move to La Liga could give Dieng a fresh platform in one of Europe’s top leagues and an opportunity to re-establish his reputation at the highest level.