Leicester City are closing in on the signing of striker Ibrahim Diabate, with the Foxes stepping up their pursuit of the Ivorian following an impressive goalscoring season in Sweden.
Leicester have been active in the market for attacking reinforcements after missing out on Lyndon Dykes, who instead completed a move to Charlton Athletic.
That setback has sharpened the club’s focus on alternative targets, with Diabate now emerging as a leading option.
The striker enjoyed a breakout 2025 campaign with GAIS, finishing as joint top scorer in the Allsvenskan with 18 league goals.
That form has put him firmly on Leicester’s radar as they look to bolster their forward line in the January transfer window.
Who Is Ibrahim Diabate and What Would He Bring to Leicester?
Diabate is a powerful and mobile centre-forward.
He combines physical strength with a natural eye for goal.
The Ivorian enjoyed a standout 2025 season with GAIS.
He finished as joint top scorer in the Allsvenskan with 18 goals.
His form mirrors that of fellow Swedish league standout August Priske, who has also attracted English interest, with Birmingham City pursuing the Dane after his own prolific campaign.
Diabate’s movement in the box is a key strength.
He attacks space well and finishes chances from close range.
He is comfortable playing with his back to goal, holding the ball up and bringing others into play.
That gives Leicester a clear focal point in attack.
His physical profile should translate well to English football.
If he adapts quickly, he has the tools to make an immediate impact.
Why Leicester Are Targeting a New Striker
Leicester’s need for attacking reinforcements has become increasingly clear as the season has progressed.
Julian Carranza failed to make an impact during his brief spell at the club, leaving goalless in his limited appearances before his loan was terminated by Feyenoord to allow a permanent move to Mexican side Necaxa.
Patson Daka has also struggled for output, managing just one league goal so far this season.
That lack of cutting edge has left Leicester short of reliable goals in key moments.
Jordan Ayew has often been used as a stand-in striker but is far more comfortable operating from wide areas.
His deployment through the middle has highlighted the absence of a natural focal point in attack.
With pressure mounting on head coach Marti Cifuentes, goals may prove decisive in determining Leicester’s fate.
His situation has already drawn attention in the Championship sack race odds, increasing the urgency to address the team’s attacking issues.
Turning to the Swedish league makes sense in that context.
Cifuentes knows the market well, and Leicester’s interest in Ibrahim Diabate reflects a targeted approach aimed at adding goals quickly rather than gambling on an unfamiliar profile.
Leicester are expected to continue talks as they weigh up their striker options, with Diabate firmly on the shortlist following his strong season in Sweden.
How quickly the move progresses may depend on outgoing business and wider squad planning, but the club’s interest underlines a clear intent to add goals before the window closes.
