Celtic and Paris FC pursuing Malian winger Fousseni Diabaté

Celtic have been name-checked alongside Ligue 1 newcomers Paris FC in holding an interest in Malian winger Fousseni Diabaté…

Fousseni Diabate, LS, FC Basel FC Lausanne Sport, Swiss Cup semi-final, Soccer, 27 04 2025

Africafoot.com report ‘Paris FC wants to make a big splash for their return to Ligue 1: Fousseni Diabaté is a target! The Malian winger from Lausanne (8 goals, 9 assists this season) is also being courted by Celtic.

Estimated value: €1.2 million, contract until 2025.’

Diabaté is French born but has 12 caps for the Malian national team

Le Paris FC veut frapper fort pour son retour en Ligue 1 : Fousseni Diabaté est ciblé ! L’ailier malien de Lausanne (8 buts, 9 passes cette saison) est aussi courtisé par le Celtic.

Valeur estimée : 1,2 M€, contrat jusqu’en 2025.

Détails👉 https://t.co/BVPg5lCjAh #ParisFC… pic.twitter.com/L4E2dEvhPm

— africafoot.com (@Africafoot_com) June 11, 2025

Diabaté is 29 years old and although predominately a winger, his versatility throughout his career, which included a 19-game spell with Leicester City, has been evident with a mix of right and left wing appearances alongside spells operating as an attacking midfielder and as a striker.

40 appearances last season, scoring eight goals and making nine assists

The winger has made 40 appearances last season scoring eight goals and making nine assists for Lausanne in the Swiss top-flight and it appears his contract with the Swiss club expires at the end of June which would mean Celtic wouldn’t have to pay a transfer fee for the player.

As per FBref Diabaté has produced some impressive stats. For non-penalty goals per 90 mins, he lands in the 92 Percentile, and scores well for progressive carries, and successful take-ons alongside expected assists.

As a winger, he very much likes to play as high and wide as possible but isn’t scared to move infield commit players and get a shot off.

Similarities in style with Raheem Sterling

There are similarities in style with Raheem Sterling, with good close control and he has an impressive delivery from wide areas. He also makes intelligent off the ball runs when looking to get in behind defences.

His age profile would perhaps be at odds with the wingers Celtic have been linked with recently and as such I would suggest a degree of caution in assuming Celtic are in the mix for the player, but his versatility would certainly be an asset to Celtic.

Newly promoted, Paris FC have big ambitions

Perhaps the bigger worry is that although newly promoted, Paris FC have big ambitions. Their owners are wealthy but have taken a long-term sustainable approach to building their squad.

Last season’s promotion from Ligue 2 in France now means there are two Paris teams in the French top-flight and their new stadium, built right next to PSG’s stadium, indicates a team who intend to challenge the dominance of the Champions League winners.

That may well mean Celtic, if they are interested, rather than being namechecked to encourage Paris FC to make their move, will struggle to match the wages on offer from Paris FC.

Fousseni Diabaté is certainly a fine player, and the link certainly aligns with Celtic’s quest for reinforcements in the wide areas this season, particularly with Jota’s long-term injury and with Daizen Maeda being so effective operating as a striker following Kyogo’s sale to Rennes in January.

Time will tell if this is a bona-fide target in this transfer window. The style of the player looks like a good fit, but conversely the age of the player at 29 may not suit Celtic, with sell-on value often a consideration. That said as an out of contract player Celtic wouldn’t have to concern themselves with recouping their outlay further down the line.

Niall J