Crystal Palace will not sign 22-year-old Ivory Coast international Ousmane Diomande from Sporting CP in the winter transfer window, as he will cost €80 million.
According to a report by Record, as relayed by Sport Witness, Ousmane Diomande is the subject of interest from Crystal Palace. The Eagles are eager to reinforce their defensive unit by signing a centre-back in the winter transfer window after selling Marc Guehi to Manchester City. So, the 22-year-old Sporting CP defender has emerged as a target for the South London outfit.
However, a January deal will not materialise, as Sporting CP will point to the Ivorian defender’s release clause of €80 million to sanction his departure in the winter transfer window. So, Crystal Palace will not pursue Diomande’s signature this month.
Ousmane Diomande and his rapid rise
Ousmane Diomande has made significant progress since joining Sporting CP from FC Midtjylland in January 2023. The 22-year-old was already among the most highly sought-after prospects in the world during his spell in Denmark. However, his stock has skyrocketed in the last three years.
The Ivory Coast international has made over 100 appearances thus far for Crystal Palace while chipping in with six goals and two assists. Meanwhile, Diomande’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known clubs. Premier League outfits, in particular, have been keen on signing him, with Crystal Palace among his prospective suitors in the winter transfer window.
London calling?
Ousmane Diomande has been on Crystal Palace’s wishlist for a long time. The continued interest is understandable, as Marc Guehi has joined Manchester City in the winter transfer window. The former Crystal Palace captain has left a gaping hole in the defensive unit, and the South London outfit must sign a long-term replacement for the English international.
Several candidates have thus emerged on Crystal Palace’s radar, with Diomande also a viable target. The 22-year-old Ivorian defender is of the exact age profile as Guehi when he arrived at Selhurst Park from Chelsea several years ago. However, a January deal for the Sporting CP centre-back will not materialise.
The Primeira Liga champions have told Crystal Palace to trigger the release clause worth €80 million in Diomande’s contract to secure his services in the winter transfer window. That has compelled the Eagles to shelve their interest in the Ivory Coast international, and it will be interesting to see if they revive their move in the summer.
