Newcastle United are still expected to announce the signing of Genclerbirligi midfielder Ousmane Diabate, despite radio silence on the potential deal in the last couple of weeks of the transfer window.
News that the Magpies were set to sign the 18-year-old midfielder this summer in a deal believed to be worth around £3million emerged last month, with an agreement in place that would see the Guinea international return to the Turkish side on loan.
Diabate's rise at Genclerbirligi
Diabate broke into the Genclerbirligi side last season and has started all three of their matches in the Super Lig this term, including a 2-1 win over Fenerbahce, helping them to make an unbeaten start to their campaign.
Genclerbirligi head coach Metin Diyadin confirmed Diabate had joined Newcastle and returned to the Turkish side on a season-long loan deal back in August, suggesting the Magpies had picked up a coup from under the noses of Turkish giants Galatasaray, Fenerbahce and Besiktas.
Coach's praise and loan details
"I came here during the mid-season last year. Ousmane Diabate was playing in the youth team," Diyadin said. "We brought him into the team and because he came from Africa, there was a contract process involved. He has very high potential.
"We finalised his sale to Newcastle United. He is currently playing for us on loan. He is a very mature player for his age. He has good game vision and technical ability. I think he will reach different levels as he plays more. I'm really curious how our teams [in Turkey] didn't see this in him. We transferred him to England."
However, the lack of official confirmation from either club in the meantime led to some doubts over whether the deal was actually completed, but Chronicle Live understands that despite the lack of updates, it is a deal that is expected to be publicly announced in due course.
Midfield depth and future prospects
Newcastle scouts will keep a close eye on his performances at the Eryaman Stadium this term, but the Magpies are slowly building a conveyor belt of exciting midfield options.
Matthias Jaissle currently has six players vying for two spots in his midfield, with Nico Gonzalez, Lewis Miley, Sean Steur, Jacob Ramsey, Aladji Bamba and Joelinton all available to the United boss.
Eighteen-year-old Rory Finneran has already earned rave reviews for his displays on loan at Notts County, while Anthony Munda has made a positive early impression on loan at Swindon Town, too. Diabate will continue his progression in the Turkish capital of Ankara, but should he continue to shine in the Turkish Super Lig, then it will add another option to the Magpies' midfield arsenal.
