KAA Gent have officially completed the signing of Mamadou Aliou Diallo, an 18-year-old Senegalese central defender, on a deal that could keep him at the Belgian club until 2028.
The promising left-footed centre-back, a product of Senegal’s renowned Diambars academy, has signed a two-year contract with the option of a further season.
Diallo, who made a name for himself on the international stage with Senegal’s U17 national team, will begin his European journey with Jong KAA Gent, the club’s reserve side, as he aims to develop his game and earn a place in the senior squad.
Diallo’s arrival comes on the back of strong performances during the 2023 U17 Africa Cup of Nations and FIFA U17 World Cup.
His displays at both tournaments attracted the attention of several European scouts, with Gent ultimately securing his signature as part of their continued focus on nurturing emerging African talent.
The move marks the latest step in what has already been a promising young career. Known for his composure on the ball, positional intelligence, and physical presence, Diallo has been tipped as one of Senegal’s brightest prospects in his age group.
His left-footedness also adds a desirable balance to any defensive setup, something that Gent’s coaching staff will look to harness in the coming seasons.
While Diallo will not immediately join the first team, his inclusion in the Jong KAA Gent squad is seen as a strategic move to help him acclimatise to the demands of European football.
The club has a history of integrating young talent through its reserve structure, allowing players to adapt at a steady pace while maintaining a close link with the senior setup.
In a brief statement, Gent expressed enthusiasm about their new acquisition, stating that Diallo’s profile fits the club’s long-term vision. “We are pleased to welcome Mamadou Aliou Diallo to the club.
He is a young player with great potential and has already shown his quality at international youth level. We look forward to supporting his growth in our structure,” a club representative said.
For Diallo, the move to Belgium represents not only his first professional contract in Europe but also a chance to build on the strong foundation laid in Senegal.
Diambars, the academy where he trained, is known for its focus on both athletic and academic development, and has produced a number of professional players who have gone on to play in top European leagues.
Now under the watchful eyes of KAA Gent’s technical team, Diallo will be aiming to impress in the reserve league and demonstrate he is ready for the next step.
With the club competing at the top end of Belgian football and regularly featuring in European competitions, the pathway to first-team football is clear—but competitive.
As Senegal continues to build a new generation of defenders following in the footsteps of the likes of Kalidou Koulibaly, Diallo’s move to Gent offers him the perfect platform to grow and potentially establish himself as a future senior international.
The next chapter of Mamadou Aliou Diallo’s career begins in Belgium, with the young centre-back now set to test himself in one of Europe’s most respected development leagues.
