According to Record via SportWitness, Crystal Palace are interested in signing Ousmane Diomande and have been working on a potential deal in recent weeks. However, talks have stalled after they learned of Sporting CP’s massive asking price. The move now hinges on Marc Guehi’s future at the club.
Diomande has only gone from strength to strength since joining the Portuguese giants from FC Midtjylland. He has been a regular feature in Sporting’s XI and managed to establish himself as one of their mainstays in no time.
The 21-year-old’s sensational rise and consistent performances have put him on the radar of multiple top clubs. Crystal Palace are one of the clubs that are very keen on signing him as Oliver Glasner looks to add more quality and depth to his backline amidst uncertainty around Marc Guehi’s future.
While they were looking to sign the Ivorian defender irrespective of the English international’s future, that is no longer the case thanks to Sporting’s massive asking price. Diomande’s contract runs until 2027, and he is protected by a massive €80 million release clause.
The Eagles were ready to fork out close to €55 million for his signature, but the report suggests Sporting want at least €60 million for the young centre-back. He is a key figure in their team, and they want to make the most out of a potential departure.
The price tag hasn’t pleased Palace, who seem to have cooled their interest in the 21-year-old. While they were in contact with Sporting, the Premier League outfit decided to withdraw from talks after being informed about the cost of the operation.
The move now entirely hinges on Guehi’s future. Multiple top clubs in England are after his signature, and if they snap him up from Palace, they could reignite their interest in Diomande. Guehi’s departure will give them enough funds to once again sit at the negotiation table with Sporting to try and reach a common ground for the Ivorian defender’s transfer.
