Sadio DIALLO

In January 2012, Sadio Diallo reached agreement with Stade Rennais to join them from SC Bastia for 3.3 Million Euros as of June 2012, as the Corsican side were forbidden to recruit at the time. The striker, who was reconverted as an attacking midfielder, even ball-winner, had both pace, strength and technical ability. The Guinean international had already had a trial in August 2009 under Antonetti, who had recommended Diallo to his brother, who was President of Bastia at the time. He was highly coveted with all the ambitious Ligue 2 sides showing an interest, and Ligue 1 looking for a good deal. Diallo finally chose Rennes instead of Lorient to continue his development as a professional footballer. He was presented on 10th July 2012 on the eve of a disappointing season, with performances well below expectations, and not a single goal to show for his efforts. In August 2013, he was loaned to Lorient with a buyout option, to help relaunch his career in the top tier, and then loaned again in June 2014 in the same conditions. The two inconclusive loans in Morbihan ended up with him returning to his former club, Bastia, on 25th June 2015.