Nottingham Forest has submitted a €40 million offer for Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomandé, with additional performance-based add-ons included in the proposal. The bid, confirmed by sources close to the negotiations, marks a significant move by the English club as it looks to strengthen its defensive options.
The bid's structure
The €40 million base fee is supplemented by variable add-ons tied to Diomandé's future appearances and achievements at Forest. The exact triggers and potential total value of the add-ons have not been disclosed, but they are understood to be performance-related. The offer is now with Sporting CP, who must decide whether to accept or counter.
Who is Ousmane Diomandé?
Diomandé, a 20-year-old centre-back, joined Sporting from the Ivorian club AFAD in 2023. He quickly broke into the first team, making 49 appearances across all competitions last season. His physical presence and composure on the ball have drawn attention from several European clubs. The Ivorian international is under contract with Sporting until 2027, with a reported release clause of €80 million.
Forest's defensive overhaul
Nottingham Forest has been active in the transfer market this summer, having already signed several players. The pursuit of Diomandé suggests the club is prioritizing a young, long-term option at centre-back. Forest's defensive record last season was a concern, and the addition of Diomandé would add both depth and potential resale value.
Sporting CP, meanwhile, is under no pressure to sell. The Portuguese club values Diomandé highly and has already rejected earlier approaches. Whether the €40 million bid, plus add-ons, will be enough to open talks remains to be seen. Forest's offer is now on the table, and the ball is in Sporting's court.
