Crystal Palace Open Talks With Sporting CP for Ousmane Diomandé Transfer

Crystal Palace are in talks with Sporting CP to sign Ivorian defender Ousmane Diomandé. The young centre-back wants to move to the Premier League. Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner wants Diomandé as he aims to strengthen the team’s defence.

TRANSFER NEGOTIATIONS UNDERWAY

Talks between Crystal Palace and Sporting CP are ongoing. Palace want to sign one of Europe’s most promising defenders. Diomandé, 21, is known for his physicality, speed, and technical skills. These qualities make him a good fit for the Premier League. Standing at 1.90m, Diomandé is strong in aerial duels. He also passes the ball well – qualities Glasner admires. Glasner has approved the move.

BACKGROUND: PALACE AND DIOMANDÉ

Ousmane Diomandé has been an important player for Sporting CP since joining from Midtjylland. He was a regular in Portugal’s top flight last season, helping Sporting achieve a strong defensive record. He also impressed for Ivory Coast at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, which his country ultimately won. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace ended the 2024/25 Premier League season in 12th place. They finished nine points clear of the relegation zone, but conceding 59 goals in 38 matches was a concern. Defensive reinforcements are needed, and Diomandé could plug a gap.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR PALACE AND SPORTING?

If the transfer is completed, Diomandé will join a Palace side looking to improve on last season’s results and establish themselves in the top half of the Premier League. Sporting CP, meanwhile, finished second in the Primeira Liga and will face the challenge of replacing one of their most promising young defenders. Palace’s next fixture is a pre season friendly next month before the Premier League resumes in August. The club hopes to have new signings, including Diomandé, integrated by then. Sporting will also begin their pre-season with ambitions to remain competitive at the top of Portuguese football.