West Bromwich Albion have signed Galatasaray striker Mbaye Diagne on loan for the rest of the season.
The forward’s arrival is timely for Sam Allardyce with the Baggies desperately short on goals this season.
Diagne is West Brom’s third January signing and arrives after scoring nine goals in 15 games for Galatasaray this season.
West Bromwich Albion Sign Striker Mbaye Diagne From Galatasaray
Diagne Arrives Tasked With Firing West Brom to Safety
The Senegalese striker brings plenty of experience as he gears up for his first taste of English football. The striker has played in Champions League and Europa League matches in his career. Diagne is well travelled, playing his football in several countries including Belgium, Saudi Arabia and China.
Diagne has made his name in Turkish football scoring a lorry load of goals for both Kasimpasa and Galatasaray. He scored 32 times in 34 league games for Kasimpasa. His time at Galatasaray has seen him continue that impressive record notching 19 goals in 27 league games.
Sam Allardyce will be hoping Diagne is the man to fire the goals for West Brom. Only Sheffield United and Burnley have managed fewer than the Baggies’ 15 Premier League goals.
Diagne is a lethal striker in the box and takes opportunities when they arise. However, he will face a step up in quality with the Senegalese international needing to hit the ground running.
He is the third new face as Sam Allardyce plots a route to safety. Experienced campaigners Robert Snodgrass and Andy Lonergan complete the Baggies business to date.
Technical Director Luke Dowling Pleased With New Signing
Speaking to the West Bromwich Albion website about their new signing, technical director Luke Dowling said: “He comes to us with some goals under his belt and naturally we hope he can continue his good form with us.
“Scoring goals is the most difficult part of the game but we feel he will come with confidence and we hope that will rub off on the squad.
“Signing players in January is all about hitting the ground running. We hope Mbaye can do that as quickly as possible with games coming thick and fast.
“I think he’s a player our supporters will enjoy watching and I hope he can score the goals we need to help us win more games.
“The biggest thing for us is that he really wanted to come which is massively important to us in the position we find ourselves.”
Pressure on Mbaye Diagne From the Start With West Brom Facing Relegation Rivals
With West Brom facing a crucial period in their season, the pressure will be on Diagne to hit the ground running.
It remains to be seen whether he has signed in time for West Brom’s six-pointer with Fulham on Saturday. If he has, he will likely start on the bench with the new striker only just completing his move.
Following the Fulham game, West Brom travel to Bramall Lane to take on Sheffield United. Two crucial fixtures which could define how West Bromwich Albion’s season turns out. Sam Allardyce is under no illusions how critical this period in the season is.
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