Five years after Man Utd link, Aliou Dieng finally leaves Egypt and secures European move

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A move from Spanish side Valencia could prove to be one of the summer’s bargains.

The World Cup has reinforced that football is a global game, and there is a lot of untapped talent out there.

Back in 2021, The MEN reported that Manchester United were considering a move for accomplished Egyptian Premier League midfielder Aliou Dieng.

Dieng, a Mali international with almost 50 caps, has spent the past seven seasons playing for Egyptian club Al Ahly.

During this time he has become one of the club’s most decorated players.

The defensive midfielder has won 16 trophies with Al Ahly, including the African Champions League twice, making 250 appearances.

Manchester United never did follow up on the alleged interest, and finally in 2026, Dieng has secured his big move to Europe.

Valencia sign Dieng for free

Now 28, it could be considered late for Dieng to get his move to Europe. But he could still have a lot to offer over the next five years.

Dieng is the Mali international captain and Valencia have snapped him up on a free transfer after his deal in Egypt expired.

The Spanish side’s announcement notes: “His profile combines power, physicality and an outstanding ability to win back possession in defensive situations.”

Man Utd must scour for bargains

There would be considerable bemusement if Manchester United’s answer to the midfield dilemma was to sign a 28-year-old from the Egyptian league. But there is real talent around the globe that the club must pay attention to.

What if United had made the move to sign Dieng for a cut-price fee all the way back in 2021?

Would he really have been worse than Donny van de Beek, who cost £35 million?

In a summer where the market has become especially inflated, United may need to think outside the box and find value.

Dieng could struggle at Valencia. Or he could become a key player and one of the surprise success stories in La Liga next season.

If he does succeed, we may see more clubs tapping into leagues outside Europe to find bargains.