Crystal Palace’s pursuit of Ousmane Diomande hit a brick wall this summer after Sporting CP told the Eagles their €30m proposal wouldn’t get close to the defender’s €60m price tag.
The FA Cup winners identified the 21-year-old as a potential successor to Marc Guéhi, who was linked with a move away but ultimately stayed at Selhurst Park. Palace were the “most concrete” suitors according to Record, but Sporting refused to budge on their valuation.
It leaves Oliver Glasner frustrated in his hunt for a new centre-back, while Sporting look to lock down Diomande with an improved contract running beyond 2027. But can they really keep him if Premier League money returns in January?
Why Palace’s Bid Fell Short
Palace saw Diomande as an ideal long-term investment. At 21, he’s already a regular for Sporting and the Ivory Coast national team, boasting both size and athleticism. But with Guéhi staying put this summer, the board were reluctant to gamble €60m on another centre-back.
Sporting, emboldened by their league title and strong sales record, demanded the full €60m. Sources in Portugal claim they’re banking on a bidding war in 2026 if Diomande continues to progress.
Sporting’s Stance on Diomande
Sporting know they cannot block the exit forever, but they are pushing to extend the Ivorian’s contract beyond 2027. Talks with his agent are underway, though Record stress it will take “a lot of patience” to reach an agreement.
That strategy buys time and strengthens their hand. But with Premier League clubs circling and Palace likely to revisit the situation, Sporting face a balancing act between securing a fee and keeping their title-winning squad intact.
Ousmane Diomande by the Numbers
| Stat (2024/25) | Diomande |
|---|---|
| Appearances | — |
| Goals | — |
| Tackles Won | — |
| Passing Accuracy | –% |
source: sofascore match data – 6 September 2025
Diomande has established himself as a first-choice defender for Sporting, with consistency and composure in possession marking him out as one of the best young centre-backs in Europe.
Analyst Verdict
FootballPlace analyst John William:
Crystal Palace were never going to pay €60m this summer — that’s Champions League-level money. But Diomande is precisely the profile Glasner wants: young, physical, and comfortable on the ball.
If Palace lose Guéhi in 2026, they may regret not taking the plunge earlier. Sporting’s stance shows they know exactly what they’ve got: a centre-back with the potential to command a Premier League bidding war.
Key Insights
- Palace offered €30m for Diomande.
- Sporting demanded €60m and refused to negotiate.
- Palace saw him as a potential Guéhi successor.
- Sporting want to extend his contract beyond 2027.
- January 2026 could reopen the transfer battle.
What’s Next
Palace’s decision not to overspend makes sense in the short term, with Guéhi staying put. But come January, the market could shift quickly if injuries or departures force their hand.
For Sporting, tying Diomande down to a longer deal is critical. If they fail, Premier League clubs will sense blood — and €60m could end up looking cheap for one of Europe’s most promising defenders.
Should Palace go back in for Diomande at €60m — or wait until Guéhi leaves?
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