Spain and Senegal Battle for Como star Assane Diao

Como winger Assane Diao, one of Serie A’s breakout stars, is facing a crucial decision regarding his international allegiance. The 19-year-old, born in Ndongane, Senegal, is being actively pursued by the Senegalese national team, while simultaneously being a key figure in Spain’s youth setup.

Diao has represented Spain at youth levels since April 2023, beginning with the U-18s. His impressive performances for Como, where he has quickly become a regular starter, have caught the attention of Senegal, creating a tug-of-war for his international future. Como manager Cesc Fabregas acknowledged the delicate situation following a recent 4-1 victory over Udinese, stating, “He has to choose, it’s difficult, but also nice because he deserves it. He has to manage this mentally.”

The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) is aware of Diao’s potential but maintains its established policy: providing support and demonstrating commitment to the player without offering guarantees of senior team selection solely to secure his allegiance. This approach differs from the situation with Lamine Yamal, where the RFEF acted swiftly to secure the young Barcelona star’s commitment due to his perceived generational talent.

Spain boasts considerable depth in Diao’s preferred position on the wing. Established internationals like Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal are currently ahead of him in the pecking order, with other options including Ferran Torres, Yeremi Pino, and the two Bryans (Zaragoza and Gil). There’s even the possibility of Marco Asensio returning to contention depending on his form at Aston Villa.

The RFEF is reportedly providing Diao with all necessary information, highlighting their long-term plans for him within the Spanish setup. However, the ultimate decision rests with Diao and his representatives, weighing the potential opportunities with both Senegal and Spain. The situation highlights the increasingly complex landscape of international football, where players with dual-nationality face difficult choices about their future representation.