Mainz signs Monaco defender Abdou Diallo
Facing a lack of first-team opportunities at Monaco, versatile defender Abdou Diallo is seeking greener pastures with Mainz.
The current France Under-21 captain signed a five-year deal with the club, Mainz announced Friday on its website, for what L'Equipe reports is a €5-million fee.
Diallo made just five Ligue 1 appearances last season paired with six runouts in Monaco's domestic and continental cup runs. Leonardo Jardim preferred a centre-back pairing of Kamil Glik and Jemerson, with Andrea Raggi the first off the bench.
DONE DEAL 🤝 #Mainz05 have signed 21-year-old central defender Abdou #Diallo from @AS_Monaco_EN on a five-year deal until 2022! 🔴 ⚪️ pic.twitter.com/BhjSidtba9
— Mainz 05 English (@Mainz05en) July 14, 2017
The Tours-born 21-year-old also made one start at left-back, though even with a potential exit for first-choice Benjamin Mendy, January signing Jorge still appeared to be Jardim's pick.
"Abdou Diallo is a strong player and an intelligent two-way player who has aroused a lot of enthusiasm on the European market," Mainz sporting director Rouven Schroder said.
"In addition, he is a very purposeful young man with good character. We are delighted that he has decided with full conviction to go to the next step at Mainz 05."