Senegal: Options to strengthen the Lions ahead of WC

Andy Diouf, a credible option in the middle
At 22 years old, Andy Diouf appears as one of the most serious files. The French Espoirs international has gradually established itself at Inter Milan, where its latest performances confirm its rise to power. Box-to-box sweeper, capable of breaking lines with the ball  and bringing volume to the game, it corresponds to the modern profile sought by Pape Thiaw.

Above all, the player has never hidden his attachment to Senegal. "It’s my father’s country, where most of my family lives. Senegal is part of me," he recently confided on the official channel of his club. In a sector that is already dense but is expected to evolve, Diouf would represent healthy competition and a credible alternative in the medium term.

Lamine Sy, the revelation that knocks at the door
Author of a remarkable season with AJ Auxerre in Ligue 1, Lamine Sy has established himself as one of the revelations of the championship. At 23 years old, the right back combines volume of play, intensity and accuracy in the centers, qualities that logically attract the attention of the Senegalese staff. The Franco-Senegalese no longer makes a mystery of his intentions: "If I am called by Senegal, I will not hesitate." In a straight corridor where the hierarchy remains open, Sy appears as a credible candidate, capable of bringing freshness and competition.

Pape Demba Diop, a profile already identified
Trained at Diambars FC, Pape Demba Diop continues his methodical progression in Europe. After a full season with Zulte Waregem (6 goals, 6 assists), he joined RC Strasbourg before taking two successive loans to Nuremberg and then to Toulouse FC in Ligue 1. Already an international since 2023, the attacking midfielder remains a player closely followed by the staff. His versatility, his ability to project himself and his experience in selection make him an element in advanced observation, likely to strengthen a Senegalese midfield already performing during the CAN 2025.

Malang Sarr, experience and debate
Defensive leader of RC Lens, current Ligue 1 leader, Malang Sarr has had one of the best seasons of his career. At 26 years old, the left-handed central defender ticks several boxes: very high level experience, regularity, leadership and ability to evolve in a defense with multiple systems. His wish to wear the jersey of Senegal is now assumed. "If the team arrives, it will be a great happiness," he confided at the beginning of the season.

Remains a still sensitive debate around his past statements in favor of the French team. But sportingly, his profile, especially after the choice of Malick Thiaw for Germany, constitutes a credible option to densify the Senegalese axis at the approach of the World Cup.

Ousmane Diao, Nordic constancy
An undisputed starting player at FC Midtjylland, Ousmane Diao is one of the most consistent young central defenders playing outside major leagues. Involved in the Europa League, the 21-year-old player already shows a certain maturity, with 10 matches played this season for 3 goals. Aware of the strong competition in selection, Diao keeps a calm discourse: «If you are called so much the better. Otherwise, you have to continue working». A philosophy that aligns with the progressive management advocated by Pape Thiaw.