Oldham Athletic have announced the signing of former Monaco defender Raphael Diarra.
Diarra, 25, joins on a contract that initially ties him to the club until June 2021.
Oldham Athletic Sign Raphael Diarra
✍️ Welcome to Latics, Rapha! #oafc
— Oldham Athletic (@OfficialOAFC) November 10, 2020
Diarra’s Career So Far
Diarra graduated from the Monaco academy, his only appearance for the Ligue 1 side came from the bench against Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League, back in December 2015.
He had a spell out on loan with Cercle Brugge in Belgium, before eventually leaving Monaco for US Quevilly-Rouen.
Last season, he made 20 appearances for the French side, even captaining them in their two Coupe de France ties. Diarra left the side in the summer and has been without a club since.
Diarra is primarily a centre-back but has featured at right-back for his former club.
The 25-year-old has international experience at youth level, having been capped at U19 and U20 level for France.
Diarra formerly partnered Paris Saint-Germain defender Presnel Kimpembe in the U20 side, with Atletico Madrid winger Thomas Lemar a part of the same squad.
Obvious Acquisition
Oldham sit 19th in the League Two table and with just one side having conceded more goals than them – bottom of the league Southend United – the addition of a defender is a fairly obvious one.
Diarra will wear the number 22 shirt during his time at Boundary Park.
Early Start
Raphael Diarra has already made his debut for the club. He was named in the starting line-up to face Bradford City in the EFL Trophy.
52‘ Diarra produces a fine block to stop Scales’ cross finding a teammate in a dangerous area.
[0-1] #oafc
— Oldham Athletic (@OfficialOAFC) November 10, 2020
He was taken off with the scores level at 1-1 in the 72nd minute.
Main Photo
Embed from Getty Images
