Grady Diangana certainly gave us all at West Ham United something to be excited about last season with regards to his performances.
The youngster was just one of the latest hot talents to come off of the conveyor belt at our academy that appears to have a bright future in the game and, hopefully, it will be as a Hammer and not with anyone else.
So, maybe, it is hardly a surprise to hear that Galatasaray are interested in taking him on loan this summer? According to Turkish media outlet DHA, the Champions League outfit are thought to be one of a number of sides interested in acquiring him temporarily for the upcoming campaign.
The 21-year-old was handed 17 appearances by Manuel Pellegrini across all competitions last season after making the breakthrough and provided his team-mates with one assist (Transfermarkt), which has led us all to get a little excited as he could be the winger we need in the team in the future.
In January, Diangana was handed a new six-year contract by the club showing just how highly rated they see their youngster, whilst his attacking stats appeared to back up the potential and promise he has available.
According to the attacking data collected by WhoScored, he managed an average of 0.7 key passes per game and 1.2 dribbles per match in the 17 appearances. Although those figures are hardly outstanding, they are extremely promising for a player of his ability and for the short period of time he has had in the first-team so far.
A loan move to Istanbul for a year could be perfect for Diangana to work on his game as he would be exposed to a high standard of football, whilst also getting some experience of playing in top European competition – something we aspire to be able to do in the near future ourselves.
There would be a concern about how much game time he would get with Galatasaray as they would already have their own stars in the side, however, with the way we are hitting the transfer market this summer as well – a potential move for Jefferson Savarino may not bode well for the 21-year-old, perhaps, it could be an opportunity for the £4.5million-rated starlet (Transfermarkt) and the Hammers to be too good to turn down.
