Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon have confirmed the signing of Malian striker Abdoulaye Diaby from Belgian champions Club Brugge on a five-year deal.
Following a successful spell with Club Brugge laced with two league titles in three seasons, Diaby has joined Sporting Lisbon who have attached a €60 million buyout clause on him.
“Sporting Clube de Portugal announce that we have reached an agreement with Club Brugge to hire Abdoulay Diaby,” Sporting Lisbon said in a statement.
“The player signed a valid contract for the next five seasons, with a termination clause set at €60 million. Sporting wishes Diaby the greatest professional and personal happiness.”
Capped 12 times by Mali since 2014, including appearing at the Africa Cup of Nations tournament (Afcon) the following year, Diaby did not however play at last year’s finals.
He returned to the national team for the 2018 Fifa World Cup qualifier away in Morocco last September. Diaby also featured in an international friendly 1-1 draw with Japan in which he scored in March this year.
Diaby is now expected to be called up for the 2019 Afcon qualifier trip to South Sudan on September 9.
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