Junior Diaz is on the verge of completing a loan switch to Stade Brestois, with the 21-year-old Ivorian defender poised to embark on a new chapter in his career amid growing interest from clubs across France and Belgium.
According to reports from Foot Mercato, Diaz has reached an agreement to join Brest on a season-long loan.
The central defender is expected to arrive in Brittany this Sunday to undergo a medical examination, after which the deal is likely to be officially announced.
The move represents a significant step in Diaz’s progression, offering the youngster the chance to test himself at a higher level after an impressive 2023/24 campaign in Ligue 2.
His consistent displays at the heart of the FC Annecy defence — on loan from ESTAC Troyes — caught the attention of several suitors, including FC Lorient, Angers, Lens, Anderlecht, and Antwerp.
Despite intense competition for his signature, Brest have managed to secure pole position for his services, with Diaz reportedly convinced by the club’s project and the opportunity for regular top-flight minutes.
A product of FC Nantes’ academy, Diaz honed his craft with Troyes before gaining valuable senior experience in Annecy, where he racked up 34 league appearances last season and featured in five Coupe de France matches.
His physical presence, composure on the ball, and positional awareness earned praise from coaches and observers alike, reinforcing his status as one of Côte d’Ivoire’s brightest defensive prospects.
Still contracted to ESTAC Troyes until June 2029, Diaz currently carries a market valuation of €4 million on Transfermarkt — a figure that could rise rapidly should he impress in Ligue 1 with Brest.
While final details of the deal remain under wraps, all indications suggest that the move is imminent, barring any last-minute setbacks.
For Diaz, the loan represents not just a fresh opportunity, but a crucial platform to further develop his game in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues.
With Stade Brestois keen to bolster their defensive ranks, the arrival of Diaz could provide a timely boost ahead of the upcoming campaign — and a chance for the Ivorian to prove he belongs at the highest level.