Stade de Reims have confirmed that Oumar Diakite will spend the 2026-27 season on loan at SK Sturm Graz, with the Austrian club holding an option to buy the Ivory Coast international.
The move, first revealed exclusively by Africafoot, was announced by the French club on its official website. It gives Diakite the chance to continue his development in Austria while competing in the country’s top division.
The 21-year-old forward spent last season with Cercle Bruges, but he is already familiar with Austrian football. Diakite has made 35 appearances in Austria’s lower divisions, and his switch to SK Sturm Graz represents a significant step up in level.
At Sturm Graz, he will have the opportunity to establish himself in the Austrian Bundesliga and demonstrate greater consistency. The loan is also intended to give the striker a platform to show that he can fulfil the potential he has displayed during the early stages of his career.
The move could bring Diakite his first experience of European club competition. SK Sturm Graz are involved in the Europa League, meaning the Ivorian could feature in continental matches during his time with the club.
That prospect would allow him to test himself against stronger opponents and gain valuable experience outside domestic competition. It was also reported exclusively by Africafoot that Bolton had shown interest in signing the forward.
Diakite remains under contract with Stade de Reims until 2028, and his value on the transfer market remains substantial. Transfermarkt currently estimates the attacker’s market value at 5 million euros.
The purchase option included in the agreement means his spell in Austria could lead to a permanent transfer at the end of the 2026-27 campaign. His performances at SK Sturm Graz are therefore likely to have an important bearing on both his future in club football and his standing with the Ivory Coast national team.
Diakite was earning an annual salary of 500,000 euros in France, equivalent to 325,000,000 FCFA.
Stade de Reims are preparing for their fifth Ligue 2 match, when they will face EA Guingamp. The listed betting prices from 1xbet are 1.80 for a Reims victory, 3.30 for a draw and 3.90 for an EA Guingamp win. The source article also refers to an option to download 1xbet.
For now, the focus will be on whether Diakite can make a strong impression in Austria, contribute in the Europa League and convince SK Sturm Graz that he merits a permanent move when the loan concludes.