Crystal Palace are looking to reinforce their backline, and they have their eyes set on Sporting CP’s Ousmane Diomande. According to a report from O Jogo, the Eagles are set to table an offer worth €40 million to try and prise him away from the Portuguese club.
Diomande made the move to Sporting from FC Midtjylland at the start of 2023. He has only gone from strength to strength since and has established himself as a key figure in the team. The Ivorian international was involved in a total of 46 matches and contributed towards three goals last season.
The 21-year-old’s consistent performances and his massive potential have put him on the radar of multiple top clubs from across Europe. Crystal Palace are one of the clubs that are keen on signing the Sporting CP defender.
Glasner is keen on adding more quality to his backline amidst uncertainty around Marc Guehi’s future. The English international is expected to join a bigger club this summer, and he wants to bring in someone who can help cope with his absence.
The manager is convinced that Diomande could help their cause. The club are ready to make a significant investment in him as he will only get better with time. As per the report, they are ready to fork out €40 million to add him to their squad.
The Eagles had recently stepped up their interest in him and are now set to make an offer in the coming days. But it won’t be easy to secure his services as he is protected by a €80 million release clause and his contract runs until the summer of 2027.
Sporting president Frederico Varandas will certainly look for a bigger fee than the €40 million to let go of one of his most valuable assets. Meanwhile, Palace could even face competition from other top clubs who are keen on his signature.
