Mali midfielder Aliou Dieng set for Valencia pre-season start

Malian midfielder Aliou Dieng is expected to report for Valencia’s pre-season training camp on July 6, marking the beginning of preparations for the 2026/27 campaign after completing a move to the Spanish club.

The 28-year-old will link up with his new teammates as the La Liga side begins its build-up to the new season, with Dieng poised to take on his first experience in European football after several successful years in Africa.

Dieng arrives in Spain following a distinguished spell with Egyptian giants Al Ahly, where he established himself as one of the most influential midfielders in the squad. Known for his physical presence, tactical discipline and ability to control the tempo of matches, he played a central role in the club’s domestic and continental dominance in recent seasons.

Despite Al Ahly falling short in their bid for the Egyptian Premier League title and missing out on CAF Champions League qualification in the most recent campaign, Dieng’s individual performances remained highly rated within the squad.

Across his time in Cairo, the Malian international built a reputation as a consistent and reliable figure in midfield, contributing to multiple trophy-winning campaigns and becoming a key part of one of Africa’s most successful clubs of the last decade.

His switch to Valencia represents a significant step forward in his career, with the Spanish side banking on his experience, work rate and defensive stability as they look to strengthen their midfield options ahead of the new season.

For Dieng, the July 6 reporting date will not just mark the start of pre-season—it will signal the beginning of a new chapter in European football, where expectations will quickly shift from adaptation to impact.