Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool’s plans in central defence look to be facing another familiar obstacle. Targets are being locked down early, prices are rising, and clubs across Europe are moving fast to protect their assets. With uncertainty around future exits and growing competition from Premier League rivals, Liverpool are being forced to keep several options open rather than commit early.
From a Liverpool point of view, this situation is not new. The club often monitors defenders for long periods before deciding whether to act. Much depends on outgoings. Ibrahima Konate’s long-term future remains a talking point, while Marc Guehi is also attracting strong interest elsewhere. That background explains why Liverpool’s recruitment team has been casting the net wide rather than pushing aggressively for one name.
One of those names has now taken a significant step away from the market.
DaveOCKOP previously exclusively revealed that Liverpool were tracking a young Sporting CP centre-back as part of their wider defensive assessment. That interest, however, has now been complicated by a major contract decision.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Sporting Lisbon have agreed a contract extension with Ousmane Diomande, tying the defender down for another three years. The new deal includes a release clause set at €80 million, a clear move by Sporting to protect one of their most valuable players from potential suitors.
Diomande, now 22, has been a key figure for Sporting since arriving from Midtjylland in January 2023. He has made over 100 appearances for the club and has played a major role in two consecutive Primeira Liga title wins in 2023–24 and 2024–25, as well as lifting the Taça de Portugal. His form has also earned him a place in the Primeira Liga Team of the Year in both seasons.
Internationally, the right-footed centre-back has represented Ivory Coast at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and is set for another tournament in December. This season, he has featured in 12 matches across all competitions, picking up three yellow cards.
Crystal Palace previously pushed hardest for his signature as a potential replacement for Marc Guehi, holding advanced talks over a deal worth around €55 million. Liverpool’s interest was more cautious, with Nico Schlotterbeck believed to be a preferred option for Arne Slot.
With Diomande now secured on improved terms, any Liverpool move would require a major financial commitment.
🚨🟢⚪️ Ousmane Diomandé has signed new deal at Sporting CP valid for three more years.
The release clause will be worth €80m as Record reported. pic.twitter.com/XaPqQyYGV4
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 19, 2025
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