West Brom has signed the new Fikayo Tomori in the form of the “excellent” Muhamed Diomande, according to Italian media.
The club confirmed [10 July] the signing of the Italian-born centre-back on a two-year professional deal at The Hawthorns, becoming part of Richard Beale’s Under-21s side next season.
A lot of hype has already emerged around the Baggies’ new addition, with the defender now being compared to one of the most talented English centre-backs.
“Very careful in the marking phase, he reads situations well and is particularly difficult to overcome in one-on-ones, being in fact in possession of excellent skills both in terms of physical structure and in terms of speed,” La Giovane Italia wrote on Saturday (20 July).
“Precise in his suggestions to his teammates, even in depth: he is rarely seen making mistakes in this aspect. A defender who, in terms of characteristics, can be reminiscent of AC Milan’s centre-back: Fikayo Tomori.”
West Brom sign the next Fikayo Tomori in Muhamed Diomande
Being compared to the former Chelsea talent is extremely high praise, having just left the Wolves academy to join their Midlands rivals West Brom.
Diomande will need to continue his development before being offered an opportunity in Carlos Corberan’s senior squad, but the early signs are very positive.
The Baggies’ current centre-back concerns have only slightly been alleviated by the signing of Torbjoern Lysaker Heggem this summer, with Corberan currently having an ageing arsenal at his disposal.
Kyle Bartley, 33 and Semi Ajayi, 30 look as though they could make up the starting centre-back partnership next season, with Cedric Kipre being linked with an exit [Sports Digitale].
We're delighted to confirm @fentsheard has penned a new deal at the Albion! ✍️
Young defender Mo Diomande has also joined our #PL2 team. 💪
Congratulations, lads! 💙🤍
— West Bromwich Albion (@WBA) July 10, 2024
Although Diomande is not yet ready for the Championship, it will ease some nerves knowing that he could be called upon from the academy ranks if needed at some point next term.
If the 18-year-old is even half as good as Tomori, West Brom certainly have got a new gem on their hands.