Salim Diakité joins Zulte Waregem on loan from Palermo

Malian defender Salim Diakité has joined Belgian top-flight side Zulte Waregem on a season-long loan from Palermo, with the deal including an option for the club to make his move permanent.

The 26-year-old right-back will leave Italian football temporarily after spending several years playing in the country. His move to Belgium represents a new stage in a career that began in France before continuing in Italy.

Diakité started his footballing journey with FC Mantois before moving to Italy in 2019. Since then, he has remained in the Italian football system, gaining experience with several clubs.

He played for Agnonese, Teramo and Ternana before joining Palermo in January 2024. The defender went on to make 66 appearances for Palermo’s first team.

Last season, Diakité spent time away from Palermo after joining Juve Stabia on loan. He featured 14 times for the club before returning to his parent side.

His move to Zulte Waregem now gives him the chance to experience a different footballing environment and, importantly, compete in a top division for the first time in his career.

Since moving to Italy in 2019, Diakité has spent his career playing in Serie B. His transfer to Zulte Waregem therefore marks a significant change, as the Malian international prepares to compete in Belgium’s top flight.

The Belgian club will have the opportunity to assess the defender throughout the season before deciding whether to activate the option to buy included in the agreement.

For Diakité, the immediate objective will be to establish himself in the Zulte Waregem team and build consistency during his first experience of top-flight football.

The Malian international has earned eight caps for his country and will now look to use his time in Belgium to continue developing as a defender.

Zulte Waregem’s decision to include an option to buy also leaves open the possibility of a permanent move at the end of the loan. That could allow Diakité to remain in Belgium if his performances convince the club to complete the transfer.

For now, the defender’s focus will be on making a strong impression during the season and adapting to his new surroundings.

After several years in Italy and a career largely spent in Serie B, Diakité has taken a new direction with Zulte Waregem. The loan gives him an opportunity to establish himself at a higher level and potentially secure a permanent move.