Sunderland’s Isaac Lihadji & Southampton’s Ibrahima Diallo set to join Qatari side Al-Duhail | OneFootball

L’Equipe report that Qatari side Al-Duhail could be poised to complete a double swoop for two French players who are currently contracted to EFL Championship clubs, namely Sunderland AFC forward Isaac Lihadji (21) and Southampton FC midfielder Ibrahima Diallo (24). The French publication understands that the Qatar Stars League is targeting young players with high potential to improve the local league’s level.

Lihadji – who was once considered one of the brightest Marseille academy prospects – most recently moved when he left Lille OSC to the Black Cats during last winter’s transfer window. The 21-year-old is already set to leave North England after a five-month stay. Lihadji only played 79 minutes with Sunderland in the Championship. With Southampton heading to the second-tier, Diallo is also set to join the 2023 Qatar Stars League champions. The defensive midfielder was entering his final contract year with the Saints. The former AS Monaco youth product joined Southampton from Stade Brestois in 2020 for a €12m deal.

Foot Mercato report that Lihadji – as of Friday afternoon – had yet to make any final decision on whether or not to move to Qatar.

GFFN | Bastien Cheval