Nottingham Forest are on the verge of scoring a major defensive coup with the signing of highly-rated centre-back Ousmane Diomande from Sporting CP. The 22-year-old Ivory Coast international, who has played a key role for Sporting since his arrival in the 2022-23 season, is set to make the jump to the Premier League under Forest head coach Oliver Glasner.
Despite being troubled by injuries last season, limiting him to just 15 starts in Liga Portugal, Diomande’s quality has not gone unnoticed. According to BBC Sport, talks between Nottingham Forest and Sporting CP have reached an advanced stage, with the two clubs reportedly close to finalizing a transfer deal. Although Diomande’s contract includes a hefty £68.2million release clause, Forest are understood to be aiming for a more reasonable fee to bring the young defender to the City Ground.
Glasner’s admiration for Diomande dates back to his tenure at Crystal Palace, where he unsuccessfully attempted to secure the defender’s signature. Now at Nottingham Forest, Glassner is determined to strengthen his backline with Diomande’s physicality, pace and defensive prowess, signaling the club’s intention to strengthen their Premier League survival hopes with top-class talent.
This potential acquisition would mark a significant investment in Forest’s defensive options, reflecting the club’s ambition to compete effectively at England’s top level. Diomande’s arrival could inject new dynamism into Forest’s squad as they look to improve on last season’s performance.
With talks progressing rapidly, a deal could soon be confirmed, making Ousmane Diomande one of the most exciting defensive signings of the summer transfer window and a key figure in Nottingham Forest’s Premier League campaign.
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