Crystal Palace came close to signing Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande last summer, and the move could be revisited when the transfer window opens again.
According to reports in Portugal, the Premier League club had prepared a significant offer for the centre-back during the previous transfer window. Although the deal never progressed to completion, Palace’s interest has not faded.
With Sporting now reportedly open to negotiations this summer, the transfer could once again become a realistic possibility.
Crystal Palace nearly signed Ousmane Diomande last summer
Portuguese newspaper A Bola reports that Crystal Palace had Diomande high on their defensive shortlist during the last transfer window.
The London club were reportedly ready to submit a proposal worth around €55 million (£47 million) to Sporting for the 22-year-old.
However, the transfer ultimately stalled before reaching an advanced stage, leaving the Ivory Coast international in Lisbon for the season.
Despite the collapse of the move, Crystal Palace are said to have continued monitoring the defender closely.
Sporting willing to negotiate this summer
Diomande recently signed a new contract with Sporting that runs until 2030.
While the agreement maintained his official €80 million (£69 million) release clause, reports suggest there is an understanding behind the scenes regarding a lower potential transfer fee.
Sporting are believed to be open to offers in the region of €40–50 million (£34–43 million) during the upcoming summer window.
| Ousmane Diomande Profile | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 22 |
| Position | Centre-back |
| Current club | Sporting CP |
| Contract | Until 2030 |
| Release clause | €80m |
| Estimated negotiation range | €40m–€50m |
At that price range, the Portuguese club would still secure a substantial profit on the defender.
Premier League interest growing
Crystal Palace are not the only English club following Diomande’s development.
Reports suggest Newcastle United and several other Premier League sides are also monitoring the defender’s progress in Portugal.
The centre-back has built a strong reputation since arriving at Sporting, combining physical strength, pace and confidence in possession.
Those attributes have made him one of the most highly rated defenders in the Portuguese league.
However, it remains too early to determine whether Palace will make a formal move once the transfer window opens.
Sporting set for major profit on defender
Sporting originally signed Diomande from FC Midtjylland in 2023 following a successful loan spell at Portuguese side CD Mafra.
The deal reportedly began at around €7.5 million (£6.4 million) and rose to approximately €14.5 million (£12.4 million) with bonuses.
A sale in the €40–50 million range would therefore represent a significant return on investment.
Key Insights
- Crystal Palace nearly signed Ousmane Diomande last summer.
- Sporting reportedly expected a €55m offer during the previous window.
- The defender has since signed a new contract until 2030.
- Sporting are believed to be open to offers between €40m and €50m.
- Newcastle United and other Premier League clubs are also monitoring him.
What’s Next?
The summer transfer window could provide Crystal Palace with another opportunity to pursue the Sporting defender.
With Sporting reportedly willing to negotiate and the player continuing to impress in Portugal, interest from English clubs may intensify in the coming months.
If Palace decide to revive their pursuit, the deal that nearly happened last year could finally be completed.
Should Crystal Palace move quickly to secure Ousmane Diomande this summer?
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