Champions League side Club Brugge have reportedly entered the race for Oumar Diakité after the Ivory Coast international reportedly rejected the possibility of joining Lincoln City.
The Imps were linked with a move for Diakité earlier this week, with reports claiming they were prepared to pay around €3 million, approximately £2.6 million, to bring the 22-year-old to the Sincil Bank. However, a fresh report from 360 Foot confirms claims that Diakité has rejected approaches from clubs in the Championship and would prefer to return to Belgium.
The article names Royal Antwerp and Club Brugge as two sides to have shown concrete interest. Club Brugge would be particularly formidable competition, having qualified for the league phase of the 2026/27 Champions League after winning the Belgian Champions’ play-offs.
It is claimed Diakité would prefer to join a club where he is likely to play regularly, rather than take what is described as a riskier move to England based on style of play. The striker is already familiar with Belgian football after spending last season on loan with Cercle Brugge, scoring seven league goals in 25 appearances.
“The player’s choice is significant. Belgium offers a competitive environment with high visibility for young talent and serves as a gateway to major European leagues,” the translated report says.
“Diakité is already familiar with the Belgian league from his previous time there, which would facilitate an immediate adjustment. Furthermore, Belgian clubs such as Royal Antwerp and Club Brugge have shown concrete interest.
“The forward favours a sporting project where he would be an undisputed starter over a risky gamble in England, where the physical demands are even greater.”
That would appear to represent a further setback for City if their interest is as advanced as first suggested, although the transfer situation does not yet appear to have been resolved.
Cercle Brugge may also remain in the picture, but it could be more difficult for them. A separate report in Belgium states that the club are still considering another loan move for Diakité, who has returned to parent club Stade de Reims following the conclusion of his previous agreement.
Cercle head coach Lars Friis has publicly stressed the need for reinforcements before the start of the new season, with the possibility of Diakité returning on loan reportedly still under discussion. A permanent deal could prove difficult for Cercle, as the reported €3 million asking price would exceed the club’s previous transfer record, according to a list of their most expensive signings.
That provides further context to our reported pursuit, whatever the outcome. Were the Imps genuinely willing to meet the required fee, albeit with bonuses and clauses, it would demonstrate both the club’s ambition and the dramatically different financial landscape they are now operating in following promotion to the Championship.
However, Club Brugge can offer Diakité Champions League football, while Cercle can provide familiarity and the possibility of returning to a club where he already enjoyed regular game time. Cercle finished in the bottom four of the Pro League, but survived after coming second in the relegation play-off.
Diakité joined Reims from Red Bull Salzburg in 2023 and has scored nine goals in 54 Ligue 1 appearances. He previously registered 12 goals in 35 matches for Salzburg’s feeder side Liefering in the Austrian second tier.
The forward is also an established Ivory Coast international and was part of the squad which won the Africa Cup of Nations on home soil in 2024. He scored a dramatic extra-time winner against Mali in the quarter-final before missing the semi-final through suspension.
His most recent spell at Reims was described as inconsistent, with injuries and irregular opportunities affecting his progress. A return to Belgium is seen as a potential opportunity to relaunch his club career while maintaining his place in the Ivory Coast squad.
While City may have been willing to meet Reims’ valuation, Diakité’s preference appears to be an equally important factor. The chance to play Champions League football with Club Brugge could prove particularly persuasive as the striker considers the next stage of his career.