The exclusion of 25-year-old Malian international Salim Diakité from the Palermo squad list for the match against Spezia, with no reported physical problems or injuries, is considered an indication of his potential departure. Also contributing to the transfer rumors are the return of Giangiacomo Magnani from Reggiana and the presence of Pierozzi and Gyasi on the right side. For some time, Diakité has reportedly been tracked by Serie B clubs Avellino and Juve Stabia, in addition to some teams from Ligue 2 in France. The versatile defender, who can play as a right-back or central defender, has made 66 appearances and scored five goals for Palermo since joining from Ternana in the middle of the 2023/24 season for a reported fee of €1.4M. Diakité, who has eight caps for Mali, has a contract with the club until June 2028 and a current Transfermarkt valuation of €2.0m.