Lazio transfer for Bamba Dieng collapses after medical reveals knee issue
The Senegalese striker’s move to the Italian club has been cancelled following initial tests, prompting a shift in focus to alternative attacking targets.
The transfer of Senegalese striker Bamba Dieng to Lazio has been called off after initial medical examinations detected a knee problem. The 26-year-old forward, who had reached an agreement with the club and arrived in Rome on Wednesday, is no longer expected to join the squad managed by Gennaro Gattuso.
Dieng had concluded a strong final campaign at Lorient, scoring 15 goals in 25 appearances before his contract with the Ligue 1 side expired. Despite this recent form, the forward had previously failed a medical at Amed SK earlier in the summer, reportedly due to a similar knee issue. While the precise nature and severity of the current problem have not been detailed, the failed tests have effectively ended the negotiations.
With the Dieng deal off the table, attention has turned to other potential signings to bolster Lazio’s attack. Italian journalist Damiano Er Faina suggests that Andrea Pinamonti, a 27-year-old striker currently at Sassuolo, is now the primary candidate. Pinamonti is a profile admired by Gattuso, who views him as a suitable fit for the role.
However, views on the club’s next move remain divided among Italian media figures. Veteran journalist Alfredo Pedulla notes that Pinamonti has not been a top priority for Lazio, arguing that the club would have closed the deal earlier in the summer if it were. Nevertheless, Pedulla expects the Sassuolo player to re-emerge as a serious candidate alongside Sebastiano Esposito.
Esposito, a player at Cagliari, is described as more of a second striker than a traditional centre-forward. The uncertainty surrounding the final decision highlights the club’s ongoing search for the right attacking profile to complement its existing roster.
The collapse of the Dieng transfer underscores the risks involved in late-window signings, particularly when pre-existing medical concerns are present. As Lazio evaluates its options, the focus remains on securing a reliable goal threat before the transfer window closes.
