Ousmande Diomande, Morten Hjulmand, Zeno De Bast
Oeiras, Portugal – 07 25 2025: Ousmane Diomande, Morten Hjulmand and Zeno Debast seen during Trofeu de Cinco Violinos game between teams of Sporting CP and Villarreal CF
Crystal Palace could be set to revive their interest in Ousmane Diomande this summer, with fresh competition emerging from within the Premier League.
According to Record in Portugal, the 22-year-old remains “extremely well referenced” in England despite signing a new contract with Sporting CP in January. That extension runs until 2030 and kept his €80m (£69m) release clause intact.
However, the report makes clear that the renewal does not guarantee he will stay beyond this season.
Premier League race taking shape
Crystal Palace already tried to sign Diomande in the past. Now, circumstances appear more favourable. The London side recently sold Marc Guéhi to Manchester City for €23m (£20m), generating funds and leaving a defensive gap.
Record state it is “almost certain” Palace will push again in the next transfer window. The club have both the financial room and the squad need to justify a serious approach.
However, they are not alone. Newcastle United have reportedly intensified their scouting of the Ivory Coast international. The Magpies remain attentive despite Diomande missing the first half of the season with a thigh muscle problem and later travelling to the Africa Cup of Nations in December.
Meanwhile, both Arsenal and Chelsea are also mentioned having previously approached the player’s representatives, underlining that interest stretches beyond mid-table ambitions.
Sporting open to negotiation
Although Diomande’s clause stands at €80m (£69m), Record explain it may not prove decisive. Sporting’s board recognise the need to generate transfer income this summer.
Infrastructure investment has increased financial demands, and even potential Champions League qualification will not eliminate the pressure to sell.
As a result, negotiations below the clause could become possible in the coming months.
The defender is reportedly comfortable in Lisbon. Still, he has long held the ambition of playing in England one day. That personal objective aligns neatly with the growing Premier League attention.
What happens next
For Crystal Palace, the situation looks strategically timed. They hold funds from Guéhi’s departure and previously explored the deal. Newcastle’s renewed monitoring adds competitive tension. Arsenal and Chelsea’s past approaches provide market validation.
Sporting are in a strong contractual position. Yet pragmatism may shape their summer strategy.
That combination points towards a genuine English race – with Crystal Palace currently best placed to make the first decisive move.