Crystal Palace advance talks to sign Ousmane Diomande

Crystal Palace will reportedly look to sign 21-year-old Ivory Coast international Ousmane Diomande from Sporting CP in the summer transfer window, with an agreement close.

According to a report by Africa Foot, Ousmane Diomande is the subject of interest from Crystal Palace. The Eagles are eager to bolster their defensive unit by signing a centre-back in the summer transfer window amid uncertainties surrounding Marc Guehi’s long-term future. So, the 21-year-old Sporting CP defender has emerged as a target for the South London outfit.

Crystal Palace and Sporting CP have advanced their negotiations to seal an agreement over a deal for the Ivorian defensive prospect, with the Premier League club “willing to invest between €55 million and €60 million to convince Sporting CP” to let go of Diomande in the summer transfer window.

Ousmane Diomande and his rapid rise

Ousmane Diomande has come leaps and bounds since joining Sporting CP from FC Midtjylland in January 2023. The 21-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 two and a half years.

The Ivory Coast international has turned out over 100 times 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, are keen on signing him, with Crystal Palace among his prospective suitors in the summer transfer window.

London calling

Crystal Palace’s interest in Ousmane Diomande makes sense. The Eagles are scouring the market for a centre-back this summer amid uncertainties surrounding Marc Guehi’s long-term future. The English international has entered the final 12 months of his contract, with the situation capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs.

So, several candidates have emerged on Crystal Palace’s radar, with Diomande also a viable target. While talks between the South London club and Sporting CP had broken down for some time, the negotiations have advanced, with a deal worth around €55-60 million on the cards for the 21-year-old Ivorian.

The Eagles are “willing to invest between €55 million and €60 million to convince Sporting CP” to part ways with Diomande. With Crystal Palace closing in on signing the Ivory Coast international, the official announcement should come soon.