Oumar Diakité rejects English move in favour of Belgium return

Oumar Diakité has turned down an opportunity to move to English football, choosing instead to focus on securing a return to Belgium as his future continues to take shape during the summer transfer window.

The 22-year-old Ivory Coast international has returned to Stade de Reims following the conclusion of his loan spell and is now available for transfer after the French club granted him a release clause.

With several clubs showing interest in signing the striker, Diakité has already identified his preferred destination.

According to French outlet Onze Mondial, English side Lincoln City submitted an offer matching the fee requested by Reims.

Despite the club’s willingness to meet the French side’s valuation, the proposal was rejected by the player, who is not interested in playing in the Championship, the English second division.

Instead, Diakité is prioritising a move back to Belgium, where he enjoyed a productive spell last season and believes he can continue his development.

According to exclusive information from Africasoccer, the striker’s decision is driven by both sporting and personal reasons.

Having regained his confidence in the Belgian top flight, Diakité considers the Jupiler Pro League to be the ideal environment for the next stage of his career.

His performances during his previous spell in Belgium saw him score seven goals, a return that helped restore his form in front of goal.

Beyond those numbers, the player is said to appreciate both the footballing culture and lifestyle offered by the Belgian league.

Diakité believes the style of play in Belgium complements his strengths, particularly his pace and attacking qualities. That confidence has reinforced his determination to return rather than pursue opportunities elsewhere.

Stade de Reims are reportedly prepared to allow the forward to leave for €3 million, a figure that could make him one of the more affordable attacking options available during the current transfer window.

The reported asking price is below Diakité’s estimated market value of €5 million, according to Transfermarkt, potentially making him an attractive target for clubs in Belgium seeking to strengthen their attacking options.

At 22 years of age, the African champion combines international experience with significant room for further development, factors that could increase interest from ambitious clubs in the Belgian top flight as the transfer window progresses.