Premier League champions Manchester City are reportedly interested in signing 20-year-old Sporting CP defensive prospect Ousmane Diomande in 2025.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Ousmane Diomande is the subject of interest from Manchester City. Pep Guardiola is a fan of the Sporting CP defensive prospect. So, the Premier League champions might launch the offensive to sign the 20-year-old in 2025.
Ousmane Diomande and his rise
Ousmane Diomande has established himself as one of the best young defenders in the world in the last 24 months. A native of Abidjan, the Ivorian spent most of his formative years in his homeland but graduated from the youth division at FC Midtjylland.
However, the 20-year-old has risen in prominence since joining Sporting CP in January 2023. The youngster has also made his mark on the international stage, winning the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations with his country. Meanwhile, Diomande has turned out over 50 times thus far for Sporting CP while chipping in with four goals and one assist.
Ousmane Diomande’s progress at Sporting CP has not gone unnoticed, and it has piqued the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe. However, Manchester City might look to beat the competition to the signature of the Ivory Coast international in the summer transfer window, with Pep Guardiola an admirer of the young defender’s talent.
Manchester City interested in Diomande
Manchester City’s interest in Ousmane Diomande is surprising. The Premier League champions do not need a centre-back, considering the options in Pep Guardiola’s squad. The Manchester City manager’s central defensive options include Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake, Manuel Akanji, Josko Gvardiol, and John Stones.
So, unless multiple centre-backs leave Manchester City next year, it is unclear why they would want to sign Diomande from Sporting CP in 2025. Nevertheless, Pep Guardiola is a fan of the 20-year-old African defensive prospect, leading to Manchester City weighing up a 2025 move for him.
It will be interesting to see if Diomande becomes a top target for Manchester City in the coming months. If that happens, at least one centre-back will likely depart from the Etihad, especially if Pep Guardiola is adamant that he wants the Ivory Coast international in his squad next season.
