Oumar Diakite will continue his career in Austria after Stade de Reims confirmed the Ivory Coast forward’s loan move to SK Sturm Graz for the 2026-27 season.
The 21-year-old will now play in the Austrian top flight after previously making 35 appearances in the division below. His move to Graz includes an option to buy, giving the Austrian club the opportunity to make the transfer permanent at the end of the campaign.
Diakite is returning to a country he already knows after spending last season on loan at Cercle Bruges. The Ivory Coast international had previously played in Austria, and his experience of the country was one of the factors behind his decision to join SK Sturm Graz.
The move will also give Diakite the chance to play European football. SK Sturm Graz are due to compete in the Europa League this season, offering the forward a fresh opportunity to perform on an international stage while continuing his development.
“I had excellent discussions with Michael Parensen a year ago and was about to join Graz. I am therefore all the more delighted that it has now happened. I already know Sturm very well from having played in Austria: a great, ambitious club with fantastic supporters. I am extremely happy to be here and to be able to give my best on the pitch as soon as possible!”, said Oumar Diakite.
His latest loan is intended to help him regain regular playing time and build momentum in a league familiar to him. The Ivory Coast forward will also have the chance to use SK Sturm Graz’s European campaign as a platform to revive his progress and demonstrate his attacking qualities.
For Stade de Reims, the arrangement allows Diakite to continue developing away from the club while remaining under contract during the 2026-27 season. For SK Sturm Graz, the deal provides an attacking option with previous experience of Austrian football and the prospect of playing in the Europa League.
Diakite’s return to Austria comes after his spell with Cercle Bruges and gives him another opportunity to establish himself at senior level. With an option to buy included in the agreement, the coming campaign could determine whether his next move becomes a permanent one.