Diabate keen to extend Saints stay after title win

TL;DR

Diabate Eyes Extension: Cheick Diabate says he is open to staying at St Johnstone beyond his one-year deal after helping win the Scottish Championship.
Career Revival: The 24-year-old centre-back joined from Exeter City last summer, having nearly quit football after poor loans and lost confidence.
Promotion Secured: St Johnstone clinched the title by beating Dunfermline at East End Park, earning promotion back to the Premiership with two games left.

The story at a glance

St Johnstone defender Cheick Diabate has signalled he wants to extend his contract after starring in their Scottish Championship title win under manager Simo Valakari. He joined on a one-year deal last summer following his release by Exeter City, where he hit rock bottom and considered quitting the game. This comes right after the Perth side secured promotion by beating Dunfermline at East End Park. St Johnstone had dropped to the Championship and aimed to bounce back to the top flight.

Key points

Diabate, 24, has been a near ever-present this season and one of the stand-out players in St Johnstone's title campaign.
His current deal ends soon; he is keen to talk terms with the club now heading to the Premiership.
Last year he struggled on loan at Bradford, returned poorly to Exeter, lost all confidence after a managerial change, and hated football enough to stop watching it.
Joined St Johnstone as his only option in summer 2025 after Exeter release; instantly felt it was the right club from talks with Valakari.
Praises Saints fans for sticking through frustration and calls the club a family outfit with down-to-earth people.
Says the team always believed they would win the league and deserved it as the best side.

Details and context

Diabate did well at Exeter under Matt Taylor, who left for Rotherham; replacement Gary Caldwell saw his form collapse, leading to the failed Bradford loan. By last spring he was disgusted with football across all levels and thought of quitting with no other options. St Johnstone signed him in July 2025 on a short-term basis post-relegation, and he credits Valakari's early promise of success for his decision.[[1]](https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/sport/football/st-johnstone/5476254/st-johnstone-cheick-diabate-stay/)[[2]](https://www.perthstjohnstonefc.co.uk/news/article/cheick-diabate-signs-for-saints)

The title win at East End Park sparked wild celebrations; Diabate says he's never smiled so much and hugged the manager over fulfilling predictions. With two games remaining, contract talks can now start, though he notes the future is uncertain.[[1]](https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/sport/football/st-johnstone/5476254/st-johnstone-cheick-diabate-stay/)

Key quotes

"Of course, there’s a chance... St Johnstone is a club I would definitely want to stay at. London is my home, but I could definitely make Scotland my home." – Cheick Diabate
"I promise you, I was really thinking of quitting football... It’s amazing the way life changes and football flips." – Cheick Diabate

Why it matters

St Johnstone's promotion strengthens their squad core for Premiership survival, where defensive solidity like Diabate's will be key after relegation. Fans and the club gain hope of retaining a revitalised star who loves the environment, potentially avoiding a rebuild hunt. Watch contract negotiations post-season, as Diabate's form could draw other suitors despite his preference to stay.

What changed

Diabate went from hating football and considering quitting after Exeter release and Bradford loan failure to starring in a title win and wanting to extend at St Johnstone. This shift happened over his 2025-26 season on a one-year deal signed last summer. Promotion was sealed by beating Dunfermline recently.

FAQ

Q: Why did Diabate nearly quit football?

A: He had a tough season on loan at Bradford that failed, then performed poorly back at Exeter after losing confidence under new manager Gary Caldwell. This left him hating the game so much he stopped watching Premier League or Champions League matches. He had no other options after Exeter released him.

Q: What convinced Diabate to join St Johnstone?

A: It was his only option in summer 2025, but early talks with manager Simo Valakari promised success, which felt right immediately. He hugged Valakari after the title win, recalling the prediction. From day one, he sensed the family-club vibe similar to his past.

Q: How did St Johnstone win the Championship?

A: They beat Dunfermline at East End Park to secure the title, sparking big celebrations. Diabate says they believed from the start, stayed the best team despite fan frustration in some games, and deserved it. Two games remain before Premiership return.

Q: What does Diabate say about staying at St Johnstone?

A: He loves the club, people, and Scotland despite London roots, and wants talks now after winning the league. His deal ends soon, but he sees a real chance to return next season. Time will tell after the final matches.

[[1]](https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/sport/football/st-johnstone/5476254/st-johnstone-cheick-diabate-stay/)