Malian Prodigy Gaoussou Diakite Chooses RB Salzburg Over Crystal Palace Trial
2 min read
Crystal Palace’s pursuit of 17-year-old Malian sensation Gaoussou Diakite has come to an end, as the young talent opts to join Red Bull Salzburg instead. Diakite, a graduate of the renowned JMG academy, showcased his skills during a trial with Palace but has ultimately decided to further his development with the Austrian club, known for nurturing talents like Erling Haaland.
The towering and dynamic forward is poised to follow in the footsteps of notable players such as Amadou Haidara, Mohamed Camara, and Nene Dorgeles, who have thrived under the guidance of RB Salzburg.
Diakite represents a part of an exceptionally gifted generation emerging from Mali, a year senior to the U17 team that recently impressed in the U17 World Cup. The JMG academy, where current Palace player Cheick Doucoure honed his skills, establishes a connection with Selhurst Park, indicating Palace’s interest in the burgeoning talent pool in Mali.
While Palace missed out on another JMG academy prospect due to prior commitments in the U17 World Cup, there is lingering interest, and a potential signing remains on the horizon.
Crystal Palace’s strategic focus on the Mali market is evident, given the success of the Mali U17 team in the recent World Cup. The team secured a remarkable third-place finish, defeating strong opponents like Mexico and Morocco on their journey to the semi-finals, ultimately overcoming Argentina 3-0 in the third-place playoff.
As a burgeoning golden generation emerges in Mali, Palace aims to position itself at the forefront of talent acquisition, recognizing the potential these young talents bring to English football. The recent accomplishments of the Mali U17s highlight the country’s footballing prowess, making it a strategic target for clubs seeking to tap into emerging football talent.
