Ivorian international striker Oumar Diakité has joined Sturm Graz on loan from Stade de Reims. The Austrian Bundesliga club has secured the 2023 African champion for the entire 2026/27 season with an option to make the move permanent.
Diakité returns to a league he knows well. The attacker previously played for Cercle Brugge in the Belgian league. His arrival comes as Sturm Graz sits fourth in the table with eight points from five games, having scored six goals and conceded five. They are seven points behind league leaders Lask Linz.
By signing Oumar Diakité, Sturm Graz is addressing their current attacking needs. The club is seeking more firepower and has acquired a physically strong and experienced forward. His profile complements the existing squad. The injury to Otar Kiteishvili, highlights the need for added quality in the final third. Diakité has promised to give his all immediately. "I’m already very familiar with Sturm from my time in Austria, it’s a top-flight club with great ambitions and fantastic supporters.", said the new signing.
The deal is initially a season-long loan. Sturm Graz has borrowed the player from Stade de Reims. The agreement includes an option to buy Diakité at the end of the loan period. Should the club exercise this purchase option, the Ivorian would sign a permanent contract with the Black-Whites. The specific financial terms of the loan and potential transfer have not been disclosed.
Christian Ilzer's team has started the season with two wins, two draws, and one loss. Their recent form reads LDWWD. With eight points, they are in mid-table but already face a direct clash with the table-topper. The next fixture is a home match against Lask Linz on September 13, 2026. This top-of-the-table clash will be a major early test for the whole squad and could provide a quick debut opportunity for the new striker.
Strengthening the attack with Oumar Diakité is a clear statement of intent for this campaign. His first competitive match for Sturm Graz could come as early as September 13 against current leaders Lask Linz.
