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DaveOCKOP.com reported in November last year that Liverpool were interested in Ousmane Diomande – and the landscape around the Sporting CP defender’s future has only become more intriguing since. The Reds added the Ivorian to a centre-back shortlist headed by Nico Schlotterbeck as they plan for the possible departure of Ibrahima Konate.
Diomande’s age, physical profile and ball‑playing numbers, plus back‑to‑back Primeira Liga titles and a place in the Team of the Year, made him an obvious name for Liverpool’s recruitment department to track closely.
Now, fresh reports in Portugal suggest Diomande may be on the move soon.
A Bola, relayed by Sport Witness, report that Sporting and Diomande have struck a “gentleman’s agreement” following his contract renewal to 2030: if a concrete offer of around €40–50m arrives this summer, the Lisbon club’s directors will agree to analyse it rather than simply point to the €80m clause. That effectively creates an informal discount band for serious bidders, even though the official clause remains on the paperwork.
Crucially, the same report states that Crystal Palace and Newcastle United are currently the clubs “at the door” for Diomande. Palace were prepared to go as high as €55m last summer had Marc Guehi been sold, and have been “thoroughly scouting” the 22‑year‑old for some time. Newcastle, meanwhile, are described as “very attentive” to his situation and ready to tango with Palace once the window opens.
So while Liverpool’s admiration and early homework on Diomande are clear, the latest signals from Portugal suggest that, as things stand, Selhurst Park or St James’ Park looks a more likely landing spot unless the Reds decide to turn long‑standing interest into a firm bid at the new €40–50m level.
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