Assane Diao (foto: Getty Images)
After Brahim Diaz chose Morocco, Spain has now lost another promising talent, as 19-year-old winger Assane Diao has opted to represent Senegal internationally.
Spain is facing a growing issue of dual-national players choosing to represent other countries, with Assane Diao becoming the latest to switch allegiance. The 19-year-old winger, currently excelling in Serie A with Como, has committed to playing for Senegal.
Diao had been part of Spain’s U-19 team that won the European Championship last summer, but despite his involvement in the Spanish youth setup, he has opted for an international career with the African nation.
This decision follows a similar case last year when Brahim Diaz, currently at Real Madrid, rejected Spain to play for Morocco. While Spain has historically retained most of its top talents, recent trends indicate that they are now facing the same challenges as other European nations in keeping dual-national players.
Diao has made a strong start in Italy since joining Como from Real Betis in January, scoring five goals in his first ten appearances. His rise has caught the attention of Senegal, who acted quickly to secure his commitment.
With an increasing number of young stars exploring their options beyond Spain, the Spanish federation may need to reassess its approach to retaining top dual-national talents.