Habib Diallo returns to Metz after Saudi Pro League stint

Nearly five years after departing, Habib Diallo is returning to FC Metz as announced by the French Ligue 1 club on Sunday.

 

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The Senegalese striker is set to play a key role after returning to the club where his European journey started. A graduate of Senegal’s famed Génération Foot Academy, the 30-year-old’s first move to European football came with a transfer to Metz in 2013 like many other Génération Foot graduates including Sadio Mané.

Diallo arrives on a free transfer after two seasons in the Saudi Pro League. After spending the 2023-24 season with Al Shabab, Diallo left on loan for fellow SPL club Damac for the 2024-25 season before his release. He joins Metz on a contract until 2028 after producing 13 goals and 6 assists in 57 Saudi Pro League appearances.

Metz will count on Diallo to provide the goals as they attempt to survive in Ligue 1. Despite a reputation as a club where many talented players have developed before moving to bigger stages, Metz are well known as a “yo-yo club” that has bounced between Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 in recent seasons.

The club have failed to score through their opening two Ligue 1 games, losing 0-1 at home to Strasbourg in their opener before falling 0-3 at Lyon. Metz are in action today, August 31, at fellow newly-promoted side Paris FC.

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