Lincoln City’s €3m bid for Reims’ Oumar Diakité sparks transfer race

Lincoln City FC have tabled a €3 million offer, including bonuses, to Stade de Reims for 22‑year‑old Ivorian striker Oumar Diakité, according to reports in Onze Mondial. The Imps aim to secure his signature in the coming days as negotiations progress.

Talks are reported to be progressing well, with the Ivorian on the verge of signing a three‑year contract with the Imps. The deal could be finalised soon, cementing his stay at Lincoln City.

Lincoln City’s interest is driven by Diakité’s experience at international level – he has earned 31 caps for Ivory Coast and scored six goals. In France he has logged 63 appearances, netting nine times and providing two assists, while his loan spell at Cercle Brugge yielded seven goals and two assists in 26 games.

Belgian side Cercle Brugge also pursued a permanent move after his successful loan, but their €2.5 million bid was turned down by the Champagne‑based club. The rejection represents a setback for the Bruges club, which had hoped to retain the striker.

Diakité originally joined Reims from Red Bull Salzburg for €2.5 million in the summer of 2023. His contract with the French side runs until 2028, meaning he could depart before its expiry. Some listings spell his surname as Diakit.

If the transfer goes through, Lincoln City will add a proven goal‑scorer to their attacking options, while Stade de Reims will receive a €3 million fee plus bonuses. Cercle Brugge will miss out on a player they valued, and the Ivorian will leave France for the English lower leagues.