Signed by Manchester United from Atalanta to huge acclaim, Amad Diallo is seen as a five-star recruit. The younger was noted from a young age as a prodigious talent. Joining the prolific academy in Bergamo, Diallo soon proved beyond all doubt that his talent was more than just a potential – it was absolutely real. Sealing a major move to Old Trafford, the player soon impressed with a goal arriving just moments into his European debut with the club. Since then, though, the 19-year-old has been seen sparingly.
The return of the likes of Jesse Lingard paired with the arrival of Jadon Sancho could further limit game time this season. With the Ivory Coast keen to see Diallo develop into a superstar, though, they have been clear that it might be best for the player to move on – at least on loan – to assert his place in the senior national side. With the Cote d’Ivoire going through a major change, in playing staff, there has been much talk of the need for Diallo to break into a first-team so he can get more senior caps.
And now the senior coach of the country, Patrice Beaumelle, has agreed that he should choose his next move very wisely.
What did Patrice Beaumelle say about Amad Diallo?
When asked in an interview with BBC Sport about moving on from the club on loan, the national team manager noted: “We are four or five months before Afcon, and I would love him to play more games. When you have talent like Amad Diallo has, he needs to show it and to improve on the field.
“I think that if he is not playing too much for Manchester United for now it is better to go on loan to show he deserves to be in the line-up or to play more for Manchester United.”
He also spoke briefly about the national teams need for more consistent players getting game time at a high level.
One player who was spoken about was Eric Bailly, a compatriot of Diallo as well as a club teammate. Beumelle added regarding the position of Bailly and other players: “Of course I would like them to play more games but to play at Manchester United is not easy. Like other players, like Serge Aurier at Tottenham etc etc. But I call them every week.
“To play for the country and with the orange jersey, for them it brings a lot of joy and happiness and it’s very important. So I’m sure they will do the job.”
Diallo has been linked with various loans, though it is believed the most serious potential move would be to move to Sheffield United. The Blades were relegated from the Premier League and have put together a young team for the 2021-22 Championship season. As such, it is expected that the player would be given the opportunity to get regular game-time at the Yorkshire club.
Whatever happens, though, it is clear that Diallo will be watched closely by his national team manager.