Diabang bound for Bochum

DSC Arminia Bielefeld striker Mamadou Diabang has rejected a new contract and has agreed to join Bundesliga rivals VfL Bochum 1848.

Free to go
Arminia coach Benno Mohlmann was unable to persuade the Senegalese forward to sign a new deal leaving the player free to leave in the summer. Diabang will move to Bochum, provided the club can maintain their top-flight status.

'Significant transfer'
Bochum confirmed on their website that, subject to survival, Diabang had agreed a four-year contract from 1 July. Coach Peter Neururer said: "We are very happy that Momo Diabang is coming to us. He is an interesting player whose quality will strengthen the squad and serve as a significant transfer for the future of Bochum."

Mohlmann downbeat
The 24-year-old, who has scored ten goals in 27 games this season, arrived in Bielefeld in July 2000 from minor league outfit Oberneuland. His decision to leave has left Mohlmann in downbeat mood. "Of course we're disappointed," he said. “His decision wasn't sports-related at all."

Difficult decision
Diabang described his decision as "very difficult" and added: "I'll give my very best for Arminia until the end of the season, although it might be a little problematic to deal with the fans now."

In danger
Arminia are one position above 14th-placed Bochum in the standings, but both sides have 31 points. They are just two points away from the drop zone, currently occupied by VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach, 1, FC Nürnberg and FC Energie Cottbus.