Birmingham City could have advantage over Watford in Amad Diallo hunt: View | OneFootball

Highlights

Birmingham City should hold a big advantage over Watford as Blues boss Tony Mowbray could be the difference-maker in their pursuit of Manchester United's Amad Diallo.

The forward has been out of action for most of the season so far, after suffering an injury during a pre-season match with the Red Devils in the summer.

The Ivory Coast winger is now back fit but despite being in the squad regularly, he's only managed one appearance so far for United this year.

Despite links to a move away from the club in January, Eric Ten Hag has assured the winger he is part of his plans, so we should see him appearing more regularly for the Red Devils as the campaign goes on.

although the Blues should be in pole position to sign him if he does make a move.

Diallo had a breakout season at Sunderland last year under Mowbray

Mowbray was the man who got the best out of Diallo last season when he was in charge of Sunderland in the Championship.

The Ivory Coast winger failed to impress at Old Trafford following his 2021 move to the club and it took a season-long loan move to Sunderland to get him consistent game time in England.

Diallo scored 14 times in his debut year in the Championship, bagging the PFA Fans' Player of the Year award in the process. His goals helped Sunderland finish in the top six, although they lost to Luton Town in the play-off semi-finals.

It was in Mowbray's team that he showed glimpses of why United paid a reported fee of £19 million for the forward, which could rise to £37m, and he quickly became a key player in the side.

While he was courted by Sunderland to return to the club the following year, Diallo instead stayed at United to fight for his place in the team.

Diallo has barely played for the Red Devils this season, which could prompt him to look for a move next year.

Birmingham may be the best option for him so that he can reunite with the manager that got the best out of him at Sunderland.

Mowbray can get the best out of Diallo at Birmingham

While he performed well last year at the Stadium of Light, the departure of Mowbray in December could be the thing that convinces the player to choose Birmingham over any other club in the future.

Both Watford and Birmingham have been linked with a move for the winger in the summer. Diallo has contract with United until 2025, although the Red Devils retain the option of an extra year, so a transfer deal would likely prove too costly for the Championship sides, and is likely to be a loan move instead.

With little history with Watford, and the club struggling to challenge for promotion to the Premier League, they show few positives to convince Diallo to join the club.

They also have players like Matheus Martins starting in Diallo's preferred position on the right, which shows competition for a starting spot that the Ivorian will not be looking for as he seeks to secure regular playing time.

Diallo also has no history with Watford boss Valerien Ismael, which will be a knock considering his season spent with Mowbray at Sunderland.

He played the best football of his career under the Birmingham manager and could replicate that form with a return to St Andrew's. With one of the best goal-to-game ratios in the league, as well as being in the top 5% of passes completed, he was a key member of the side that excelled under Mowbray. That could be a key factor in determining his next step - both for the player and his club.

However, the current situation at Birmingham could dissuade Diallo from choosing a move to the Blues, should he leave United in the summer.

Mowbray's appointment has made him the third manager the club have had this season, following the sackings of John Eustace and Wayne Rooney last year.

They have not been performing well this year and sit near the bottom of the table. They are in the middle of a relegation scrap and would have to secure their position in the Championship before even considering bringing in the United star on loan.

However, Diallo is clearly a fan of Mowbray. He posted a message of support on social media following Mowbray's firing from Sunderland in December, thanking him for their time together at the Stadium of Light.

Reuniting with the manager who got the best out of him may be the ideal move for Diallo if the promise of more game time at Old Trafford does not materialise.

Diallo has performed best when under a manager who trusts him and gives him time. He was able to succeed on the wing and behind the striker at the Stadium of Light, and that versatility could be a huge asset for Birmingham if they can bring him to St Andrews next year.

Blues may not be the most enticing club in the world to join, but the lure of a former manager who knew how to get the best out of him will likely be the difference in deciding what club Diallo could join next.