Mercato update: Diong joins RCSA, a Kiwi in green and more

RACING SIGN DIONG, LOAN DEMINGUET

After announcing the signing of Óscar Perea last week, Racing Club de Strasbourg have signed a second player in this mercato, bringing in young Senegal international Pape Diong. The 18-year-old defensive midfielder had been playing in his native country with Darou Salam, and had earned a senior international cap last year, featuring against Rwanda. He will join his fellow Lions of Teranga international midfielder Habib Diarra in Patrick Vieira's squad on a contract through 2029 as the Alsace club look to improve on a mid-table finish last season. 

Racing have also announced a loan deal for midfielder Jessy Deminguet to FC Metz. A former French international at youth level, Deminguet had joined Racing last summer on a free transfer from SM Caen, but played sparingly and will look to jump start his career in Ligue 2 as Les Grenats seek a return to the top flight under new manager Stéphane Le Mignan.

🇸🇳 Welcome, Pape! 🇸🇳 pic.twitter.com/qHiwf4SIt6

— Racing Club de Strasbourg Alsace English (@RCSA_English) July 9, 2024

A NEW NUMBER TEN FOR SAINTÉ

Having previously brought in veteran Morocco international Yunis Abdelhamid, AS Saint-Étienne have moved to further bolster their squad for the season with the signing of attacking midfielder Ben Old from New Zealand's Wellington Phoenix. The 21-year-old has made four appearances for his country, and more than 70 in the A-League, scoring five goals and adding four assists last season. 

He joins Les Verts on a contract through 2028, with an option for a further year, becoming the second player from his country to play in Ligue 1, following Bill Tuiloma. Speaking to the club's website, he said: "I'm very happy to join ASSE and start a great challenge for me and my family. Playing in Europe has always been a dream, so joining a club like AS Saint-Étienne with such passion... I'm going to discover French football, but ASSE is already a great club for me, historic, with many fans. I am very proud to be part of it."

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