Surprise guest of the 2023/2024 season of Real Betis Balompié, Assane Diao could only hardly imagine seeing his career take this trajectory in the history of a few weeks. A young product of the Andalusian team, he showed real potential last season with the Betis reserve (4 goals and 2 goals in 20 matches). Already last May, Manuel Pellegrini explained that he believed in him for the future of the Verdiblancos: “if he will be in the first team next season? All the young players who stand out with the subsidiary team normally do the pre-season in the first team, with us. We will see. I am very happy for him, because he had a very good season, and has very great potential. I am sure he will be important in the future of Betis.” And very quickly hope grew.
Starting on the same basis with the reserve (2 goals in 4 matches), he finally started with the first team in the Europa League against Glasgow Rangers (1-0 defeat). A short appearance followed in the wake of a first tenure. Starting on September 28 against Granada, he scored in his team’s 1-1 draw. A goal and a start which led to others since three days later, he was effective again against Valencia (3-0). The youngest scorer in the history of the Andalusian club in the 21st century, he convinced Manuel Pellegrini to count on him in a lasting manner. “I’m very happy for him. He’s a player we followed. He responded and scored two goals in two games. He has speed, power. Whether he continues with the first team or not is entirely up to him. He’s taking advantage of the opportunities and I hope he makes the most of them for as long as possible.” explained the Chilean at a press conference.
A €40 million clause
And Assane Diao continued to take advantage of the opportunities offered to him. With 11 matches to his credit and already 4 goals, he has established himself as a starter on the Sevillian right wing with Ayoze Perez as his left counterpart. In competition with Luiz Henrique, the semi-finalist of the last Euro U19 took the advantage over the young Brazilian winger thanks to his performances. This even earned him the possibility of being upgraded to the Spain U21 team where he now has 3 caps. “It’s an immense happiness. I still can’t believe it. I’m living a dream” he expressed to the Movistar after his goal against Valencia a month ago. Far from being awakened from this wonderful journey in the arms of Morpheus, Assane Diao perfectly expresses his talent and Real Betis Balompié can rub their hands.
According to Estadio Deportivo several English clubs are already in the running. This is the case of Chelsea and Newcastle who sent scouts during the player’s matches against Valencia and Sparta Prague where he scored each time. The Blues would even have made first contacts. Liverpool and Manchester United are also in the running according to the Andalusian media. With a release clause of 30 million euros with bonuses that could rise to 40 million euros, the player is under contract until June 2027. Real Betis Balompié would like to increase his lease by 3 additional years in order to shield it until June 2030 while increasing its release clause to a figure between 40 and 50 million euros. Taking promising first steps, Assane Diao is slowly making a name for himself…
