Official: Como sign 19-year-old Diao from Real Betis | OneFootball

Como have officially announced the signing of 19-year-old attacking talent Assane Diao on a permanent transfer from LaLiga outfit Real Betis on Tuesday afternoon.

It’s a double deal for Como on Tuesday, as they also announced the signing of 29-year-old goalkeeper Jean Butez from Royal Antwerp earlier in the day.

Diao, who has spent the last four years on Betis’s books, has joined Cesc Fabregas’s side for a fee reported to be in the region of €12m.

The 19-year-old winger was born in Senegal, but has represented Spain at U18, U19 and U21 level. He has earned four caps for La Roja’s U21 side over the last 18 months.

Diao made his debut for Real Betis back in 2023, coming off the bench as a late substitute in the Europa League. He has since scored two goals from 28 appearances in LaLiga: One in a 1-1 draw with Granada, and the second, a late equaliser in an eventual 2-2 draw with giants Barcelona.

GRANADA, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 28: Assane Diao Diaoune of Real Betis celebrates after scoring the team’s first goal during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Granada CF and Real Betis at Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes on September 28, 2023 in Granada, Spain. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

What’s been said about Diao’s move to Como

“I am very happy to be here and to become part of the Como 1907 family. I can’t wait to get started and give the fans lots of joy,” Diao said in an official statement on the club website.

“I have spoken to Mister Cesc Fabregas several times, we talked and he told me about the club’s project. I am very excited and I can’t wait to get on the pitch!”

Fabregas added: “Assane has a combination of speed, quality and an eye for goal. He is very intelligent off the ball and can find open spaces to free himself.

“His versatility will be a great asset to the team, I am looking forward to working with him. He is a player for the present and the future of the club. We continue to follow our strategy of having young, promising players in the team who can develop a lot.”