Slight disclaimer for the uninitiated: this isn't some bedtime lullaby about a Celtic legend or a recounting of the adrenaline-fuelled "2 seasons and a bit" we had with any enigmatic prodigy. No, today's subject is none other than Mohamed Diomande, a chap born 30th October 2001. I can already hear the collective "who?" echoing around Parkhead. But bear with me.
Born in Ivory Coast and current wearer of the number 10 jersey at Rangers, Diomande began his footballing journey rather inconspicuously at the Right to Dream Academy in Ghana. Towering at a respectable 6ft (1.83m) and weighing about 11st 11lb (75kg), this lad has a bit about him.
In January 2020, young Diomande took his talents from Ghana to Denmark, signing for their Superliga side FC Nordsjaelland. Now, if you're thirsty for stats, here's a dribble for you: In 5 seasons at FC Nordsjaelland, he made a total of 86 appearances and bagged himself 11 goals. Can't exactly say he set the Superliga alight, can you?
Marching on with his illustrious career, in January 2024, Diomande found himself uprooted and shipped off to our beloved rainy Scotland, no less, on loan to Rangers. Can't say I particularly enjoyed tracking his stats, but in the interest of fairness, he managed to chalk up 13 appearances and netted twice in his Scottish Premiership initiation.
The loan apparently proved fruitful enough as our friends across the city decided to fork out just about £4.3m the subsequent summer to ensure Diomande graced the Ibrox pitch permanently. At this point, he has made 74 appearances for Rangers and bunged in precisely 7 goals. Occasionally, he’s also seen scampering around various other competitions like the League Cup, Scottish Cup and some continental engagements. Sporadically represents his nation, too, since the Ivory Coast thought it wise to hand him the opportunity.
So there you have it, a short, drab tale from the other side of the town. Nothing much to celebrate there, and I’ve had more enjoyable dental work, but there we are. Back to business for us, Bhoys and Ghirls.
