According to A Bola via Sport Witness, Ousmane Diomande looks set to part ways with Sporting CP after the end of the ongoing season. The Portuguese club have promised to listen to offers for the Ivorian defender this summer, amidst interest from Crystal Palace and Newcastle United.
The Premier League duo could secure his services for around €40-50 million, even though there is a €80 million release clause in the 22-year-old defender’s contract.
On the back of an impressive short loan stint at Mafra, Sporting CP secured Ousmane Diomande’s services at the start of 2023 from Danish club FC Midtjylland. The young centre-back has not looked back since moving to Portugal.
Not only has he established himself as one of their mainstays, but he is also widely regarded as one of the best defenders in the Portuguese top flight. Thanks to his consistent performances and massive potential, multiple top clubs are after his signature.
Sporting CP secured his long-term future with a new deal (running until 2030) at the start of the year. However, the contract doesn’t guarantee his continuity at the club; it was just a way to protect the player’s value.
With his previous deal running out in 2027, the player was set to attract a lot of suitors this summer. He was reluctant to pen a new deal, but eventually, all parties reached a common ground through a gentleman’s agreement, where Sporting promised to listen to offers for him this summer.
They agreed that if a concrete offer of €40-50 million arrived, the Portuguese club would analyse it. It is a massive boost for clubs like Crystal Palace and Newcastle United, who are very keen on signing Ousmane Diomande. The Eagles are reportedly ready to battle the Tyneside club for the 22-year-old’s services.
Crystal Palace were ready to fork out a big fee on him last summer if Marc Guehi had left the club back then. Following his mid-season departure, expect them to push hard for the Ivory Coast international this summer. They continue to monitor him and would love to have him in their ranks.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United are also very attentive to Diomande’s situation, as Eddie Howe looks to freshen things up in the heart of the defence. While neither club has made a move yet, their chances have been boosted because of the player’s gentleman’s agreement with Sporting.
