FC Basel has exercised their option to buy midfielder Andy Diouf (20), who was loaned from Rennes with an option to buy for €5.5 million. In an official club communiqué, Rennes said the following:
“Andy Diouf, trained at the Stade Rennais F.C. academy, will continue his career with the current 5th place Swiss Super League club after being loaned to FC Basel last summer. FC Basel has decided to lift the purchase option of the 19 year old midfielder. Good luck Andy!”
The 20-year-old midfielder has been a regular starter for the Swiss club and has put in impressive performances, particularly in the Europa Conference League, which has earned him a call-up to the France U-21 team. He was represented by Alfonso Stellittano of the SBE Management Group.
FC Basel has decided to exercise the option to buy Diouf for €5.5 million, in addition to the €500,000 loan fee. Rennes, who did not anticipate Diouf’s rapid rise, could regret letting go of their young talent, especially since big German clubs and Premier League sides are already eyeing the athletic, intelligent, powerful, fast and skilled midfielder. This could lead to a significant profit for Basel in the near future, either this summer or the next.
Diouf made 17 appearances for Basel this season, helping them finish in second place in the Swiss Super League. His performances have caught the attention of several top clubs, and his value is expected to rise even further. It remains to be seen where the young Frenchman will end up next, but for now, he is set to continue his development at FC Basel.
GFFN | George Boxall