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In Dieng and Fofana, Sampaoli sees players who could help him rebuild Sevilla
Sevilla manager Jorge Sampaoli has reportedly submitted a Christmas shopping list to the club’s management that includes Lens’ Ivorian captain Seko Fofana and Marseille’s Senegalese forward Bamba Dieng.
Sevilla desperate for changes
The Argentine coach, charged with keeping Sevilla in a respectable position in La Liga has gotten to work improving the squad ahead of what is expected to be a very difficult second part of the season, with Sevilla currently in the relegation zone.
He has identified Fofana, who had been in superb form for Lens in the 2022/23 season as the ideal man to give his midfield some structure and strength.
Fofana to Sevilla
The former Manchester City midfielder has played 13 times for Lens so far, contributing three goals and two assists to the team’s cause.
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So far it is unknown if he would want to make a January switch to Sevilla, but it is unlikely since Lens are currently second on the Ligue 1 table, while Sevilla are 18th in La Liga.
Bamba Dieng to Sevilla
Sampaoli’s other target, Dieng is well-known to the manager who was in charge of Marseille when the Senegalese forward came through the team’s youth ranks.
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Dieng has struggled for game time under new Marseille manager Igor Tudor and has started only one league game, against Strasbourg, where he scored his only goal of the Ligue 1 season.
He also represented Senegal at the 2022 World Cup, scoring once in four substitute appearances to help Senegal to the Round of 16.
Dieng will be enthusiastic about joining Sevilla as it gives him a chance for more first team opportunities, and also a chance to team up with Sampaoli again.
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