Crystal Palace Eyeing audacious £45m move for ‘One of the Most Highly Rated CBs in Europe’
Crystal Palace Targeting Sporting CP Defender Ousmane Diomande
Crystal Palace are considering a high-profile move for Sporting CP centre-back Ousmane Diomande, according to journalist Mike McGrath of The Telegraph.
Following a historic 2024/25 season in which they lifted their first-ever major trophy by defeating Manchester City in the FA Cup final—and secured a spot in next season’s Europa League—the Eagles are aiming to strengthen their squad even further.
Manager Oliver Glasner is now focused on reinforcing his defensive line, with Diomande emerging as a primary target for the south London club.
Diomande Valued at £45m
Palace captain Marc Guehi is approaching the final year of his contract and is expected to leave this summer, with top Premier League sides including Newcastle, Tottenham, Liverpool, and Chelsea all showing interest.
In anticipation of his departure, the club has begun identifying replacements, and Diomande—long admired by Palace—has moved to the top of their list.
The 21-year-old Ivory Coast international is widely considered one of Europe’s most promising defenders and has also drawn attention from Manchester United.
He remains under contract at Sporting until 2027, and following the club’s lucrative deal to send Geovany Quenda to Chelsea, they are expected to demand around £45 million for Diomande.
Tactical Fit Could Ease Transition
Sporting’s 3-4-3 formation under Ruben Amorim—now Manchester United manager—closely resembles the tactical setup Glasner employs at Palace. This tactical similarity could ease Diomande’s adaptation to Premier League football.
While Palace have shown serious interest in the centre-back, no formal negotiations between the clubs or direct talks with the player have yet taken place.
It remains uncertain whether Palace can pull off what would be a significant transfer coup.
