Popular West Brom star rewarded for form U-turn with lengthy new contract

Popular Albion midfielder Ousmane Diakite has been rewarded for last season’s excellent form with a new three-year contract.

Diakite, who turns 26 next month, enjoyed the best spell of his Baggies career during the final part of last season, where he excelled under James Morrison in the impressive run to Championship safety.

The tough-tackling midfielder was out of contract this summer and had a one-year extension triggered in March, but the club have moved to secure his future with fresh terms.

Diakite joins player of the year Callum Styles and goalkeeper Max O’Leary in agreeing long-term contracts. The Mali international hailed the “beautiful family” at The Hawthorns and said boss Morrison has been key to his improvements.

“When I first came here, it was a little tough, but now I’ve adapted to the new challenge and I’m ready to get properly into next season,” Diakite said.

“We have a beautiful family here and that makes me very happy.

“I want to thank all the fans for their support, and I want to continue in the same way with the gaffer, Mozza, in charge.

“I’ve learned a lot of things from him, and now he’s the gaffer I think I’m going to learn a lot more, improve a lot and progress with him.

“He did very well before and it’s a new challenge for him. I think we’re going to do the maximum for him all together next season.”

Diakite has made 53 appearances for Albion.

Though left-back Styles was standout player of the season for the Baggies, Diakite and defender George Campbell were considered the only other realistic candidates by the majority of fans.

He became a mainstay in the side under Morrison as Albion stared relegation to League One in the face, as Diakite ousted vice-captain Alex Mowatt from the side to become influential in the 10-match unbeaten run to safety.

The midfielder, a free transfer signing from Hartberg in Austria in 2024 as the first of the Bilkul Football era, had more individual joy towards the end of last term.

He made his international debut for Mali in a friendly in Russia in March and was since named in the squad for summer friendly internationals.

Albion are expected to bolster the midfield position during the summer, with Diakite, Mowatt and Jayson Molumby the only natural senior options in the squad as things stand.