Report: Crystal Palace beat rivals to £55M Sporting transfer target

Palace Push Ahead with Ambitious Sporting Move

Crystal Palace are on the verge of securing their first major signing of the summer, with Sporting set to sanction the departure of one of their prized assets. The Portuguese club are finalising a €55 million agreement with the Premier League side, allowing the deal to progress despite the player’s reported €80 million release clause.

This development, initially reported by A BOLA, marks a significant shift in Sporting’s transfer strategy. Many expected Viktor Gyökeres to be the headline departure from Alvalade, but instead, it is central defender Ousmane Diomande whose stock has risen sharply since arriving in Lisbon.

Talks have advanced swiftly, with the two clubs settling on a €55 million fee. Discussions remain ongoing regarding the percentage of future capital gains—an area both parties hope to resolve in the coming days.

Palace Planning for Potential Guéhi Exit

Crystal Palace’s move for the Sporting centre-back is a clear signal of preparation for a potential departure within their defensive ranks. England international Marc Guéhi has told the club he does not intend to extend his contract, which expires next summer. As such, this transfer window presents the final opportunity for the South London side to extract value from a player who could walk away for free in January.

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The Selhurst Park hierarchy are understood to view the Sporting man as a long-term solution at the heart of their backline. With his athletic profile and strong performances in Liga Portugal, the 21-year-old has drawn attention from several clubs, but it is Palace who have moved decisively.

Excitement Builds Around Premier League Move

According to A BOLA, the defender has been encouraged by the direction Palace are heading. With the club capturing the FA Cup last season and looking to challenge further up the Premier League table, the project is seen as an attractive platform for a player aiming to make his mark on English football.

Moreover, the appeal of playing in the Premier League—widely regarded as the most high-profile league globally—has not gone unnoticed. Despite initial suggestions he might wait for other options, the opportunity to become a key figure in Palace’s evolving setup has proven persuasive.

Uncertainty Over European Participation

One complication surrounding the deal concerns Palace’s potential involvement in the UEFA Europa League. Their FA Cup triumph would typically ensure European football, but the situation is complicated by club ownership structures.

John Textor, a significant shareholder at Selhurst Park, also controls Lyon—who themselves qualified for the Europa League through domestic league standings. UEFA regulations prevent two clubs under shared ownership from competing in the same competition. Though Lyon have since been relegated to Ligue 2 due to financial issues, Textor may be required to reduce his influence in one of the clubs. UEFA’s decision on the matter, initially due on Monday, has now been delayed.

Contract Terms Finalised with Sporting Defender

From a contractual standpoint, there are no obstacles remaining between the player and Crystal Palace. The centre-back has agreed to a five-year deal, with a substantial salary increase. His earnings in South London will significantly surpass the €500,000 net he previously received at Sporting.

This transfer could become one of Palace’s most high-profile deals in recent memory, as they continue to evolve their squad under a modern recruitment strategy aligned with long-term development.