Ousmane Diomande has been backed to become a major success at Nottingham Forest, with former Tottenham midfielder Didier Zokora describing the defender’s move as one of the best deals of the summer.
The 22-year-old completed a €45million transfer from Sporting CP after years of speculation linking him with a switch to the Premier League.
Diomande has signed a five-year contract with Nottingham Forest and is expected to become an important part of Oliver Glasner’s defensive system.
Zokora hails ‘perfect move’ for Diomande
Former Ivory Coast international Zokora believes Forest have provided Diomande with the ideal platform for the next stage of his development.
The defender established himself in Portugal, where his performances for Sporting repeatedly attracted attention from clubs in England.
Now Zokora believes the physical demands of Premier League football can take Diomande to another level.
“As a former Premier League player, I can tell you that this is the perfect move for Ousmane,” Zokora told Africa Foot.
“Portugal was great for learning tactical discipline, but to become a global powerhouse, you need to experience the physical battles of English football week in, week out.”
‘Ready to conquer the Premier League’
Zokora also highlighted Diomande’s reunion with fellow Ivory Coast international Ibrahim Sangaré as a potential advantage.
Having a familiar international teammate alongside him could help the 22-year-old adapt quickly to his new surroundings.
“Reuniting with Sangaré at Forest will give him a massive foundation,” Zokora added.
“The kid from Abobo is ready to conquer the Premier League!”
Zokora ranked Diomande's transfer as the best move involving an Ivorian player during the summer window.
Kanté expects defender to make his mark
Former Ivory Coast defender Cédric Kanté shares Zokora’s optimism, ranking Diomande’s move second among his top five Ivorian transfers of the summer.
Kanté believes a Premier League transfer had been coming for some time following Diomande's development at Sporting.
“His move to the Premier League comes as no surprise. It had been in the works for some time,” Kanté said.
“For both Sporting Lisbon and the player himself, it was hard to turn down Forest’s offer. He has the qualities to make his mark.”
Physical and technical qualities highlighted
Diomande's combination of physical strength and ability on the ball is viewed as particularly well suited to his new challenge.
“He is a physical, imposing defender who also possesses genuine technical ability,” Kanté explained.
The former defender believes playing in England should not only accelerate Diomande’s club career but also increase his standing within the Ivory Coast national team.
“This move to England will undoubtedly allow him to continue his development and elevate his status within the Ivorian national team.”
Key Points
- Nottingham Forest signed Ousmane Diomande from Sporting CP for €45million.
- The 22-year-old has agreed a five-year contract with Oliver Glasner’s side.
- Didier Zokora describes Forest as the “perfect move” for the Ivory Coast defender.
- Cédric Kanté believes Diomande possesses the physical and technical qualities required to succeed in England.
- His move could also strengthen his status with the Ivory Coast national team.
What’s Next?
Diomande will now look to establish himself in Glasner’s defence and prove that the long-standing Premier League interest in him was justified.
His ability to combine physical defending with composure on the ball should make him a natural candidate for Forest’s back three.
After developing his tactical game in Portugal, the next test is adapting to the speed and physicality of English football. If Zokora and Kanté's assessments prove accurate, Forest may have secured one of the standout defensive signings of the summer.
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