Everton have inquired about Como winger Assane Diao, Italian journalist says

Everton have “inquired” about the availability of Como winger Assane Diao, Italian journalist Matteo Moretto wrote on X on August 17, 2026, amid reports linking the Premier League club with a summer transfer move.

Como head coach Cesc Fabregas has reportedly considered Diao not for sale, with the club viewing the player as a key part of their future and only prepared to listen to a substantial offer; the winger joined Como from Real Betis. Everton’s recruitment this window has already included making Tyrique George’s loan from Chelsea permanent, signing Brennan Johnson from Crystal Palace in a swap involving Dwight McNeil, completing a permanent deal for Merlin Röhl from SC Freiburg, and adding midfielders Christian Norgaard from Arsenal and Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough.

Diao was born in Senegal and raised in Spain and began his youth career with CD Badajoz, Flecha Negra and Balon de Cadiz before moving to Real Betis’ academy in 2021 on a three-year contract. At Betis he was converted from a midfielder into a winger.

He made his senior debut in a UEFA Europa League match against Rangers in September 2023 and scored on his LaLiga debut against Granada later that month. In his first senior season he registered 18 LaLiga appearances, seven in continental competition and three in the Copa del Rey, scoring four goals across all competitions; the following season he made 10 LaLiga appearances for Betis.

Como signed Diao for €12 million in the winter transfer window and he played 15 times in Serie A in his debut season for the club. Last season he made 17 league appearances for Fabregas’ side, scoring two goals and providing one assist; he has been described in reports as capable of playing on both flanks.

A youth international for Spain, Diao elected to represent his country of birth, Senegal, at senior level and made his international debut in a World Cup qualifier against Sudan in 2025. He was part of Senegal’s FIFA World Cup 2026 squad and featured in the match against Iraq, and he has earned six caps.

If a transfer is completed, Diao would become Everton’s third winger of the summer window after Tyrique George and Brennan Johnson; separate coverage has also linked Everton youngster Tim Iroegbunam with an exit, with Hull City reported as favourites and Trabzonspor also tipped to make a move.