After a history-making 2024/25 season which ended in Crystal Palace winning their first-ever major trophy (the FA Cup), the Eagles look to push on ambitiously. It felt like this was always the case, after they hired a new, exciting manager in Oliver Glasner, who came in with an instant impact. Now, the board reward him, as Crystal Palace look to sign Ousmane Diomande from Sporting Lisbon.
Crystal Palace Begin Talks With Ousmane Diomande Amidst Newcastle Interest
Open to Premier League Move
Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Palace are in talks with Sporting CP for Diomande. Glasner has given his green light for the move, with negotiations underway. This comes after news that Newcastle United hold an interest in the centre-back, alongside their efforts to sign Joao Pedro.
The journalist continues to disclose that the player is open to a Premier League move, good news for both clubs but bad news for the many teams on the continent who will be keeping their eye on the “monster” defender.
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Sami Mokbel understands that this move is influenced by the uncertainty of Marc Guehi’s future, whose contract runs out next summer. The South London club may try and sell him this summer to avoid losing him on a free in 2026.
This means that signing a new centre-back has become their “summer priority”, though it will come at some cost: Sporting value their man at a steep £40 million. It is unclear whether a Guehi departure will be necessary to finance this, but it will surely become far more likely should they complete this deal.
Diomande Slots in Flawlessly
With Diomande being just 21-years-old, you’d be forgiven for thinking that he may take some time to come into the side. However, he is already one of the most impressive centre-backs on the globe, and should Guehi leave, the Ivorian should be just fine to slot into the side.
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Diomande is an incredibly physical defender, winning 96.6% of his aerial duels last campaign. Coming to the Premier League shouldn’t be a huge issue for him, as it might to other youngsters. Furthermore, he has played in a possession-dominant Lisbon side, averaging 96.4 passes. Whilst Glasner’s side are not a possession-heavy team, his ability to cope with a press will help him in England’s top flight, and avoid making mistakes.