Leeds United may be trying to move quickly for Ousmane Diomande, but the latest reports from Portugal suggest Daniel Farke’s side face a difficult battle to get the deal over the line.
The Sporting defender has become one of the most discussed centre-backs in the transfer market over recent months. What began with interest from clubs such as Crystal Palace and Newcastle has steadily evolved into a much bigger race.
As we covered yesterday, Leeds have identified Diomande as one of their priorities for the 2026/27 season and are keen to accelerate a move. But according to this Tuesday’sO Jogo, the problem is that they are no longer competing in a small market.
Leeds United facing heavyweight competition
O Jogo explain that Leeds United want a defender with status and experience to strengthen their squad for the Premier League campaign ahead. Diomande certainly fits that description.
At 22, he has already made more than 120 appearances for Sporting and has established himself as one of the most influential players in Rui Borges’ side. He is also a regular international for Ivory Coast and will feature at the World Cup this summer.
However, Leeds’ interest comes at a time when competition is intensifying.
The Portuguese newspaper specifically names Chelsea, Arsenal and Bournemouth as clubs pursuing the defender. That list alone demonstrates the challenge facing Leeds.
Chelsea have been linked repeatedly in recent weeks, with reports suggesting Diomande is among the centre-backs being considered as the club continue evaluating defensive reinforcements.
Arsenal have monitored him for months and recently got an up-close look during their Champions League quarter-final clash.
Meanwhile, having secured European football, Bournemouth can offer something Leeds currently cannot.
World Cup could complicate matters further
O Jogo cover Leeds United interest and the competition
O Jogo cover Leeds United interest and the competition
The timing is another concern for Leeds United. Diomande is expected to play for Ivory Coast at the World Cup, which begins this week.
Sporting are already hopeful that a strong tournament will increase the value of one of their most important assets. That prospect is hardly ideal for a buying club.
The defender signed a new contract until 2030 earlier this year and remains protected by an €80m (£69m) release clause.
While Portuguese reports have suggested Sporting could negotiate below that figure, there is also a growing feeling that his valuation is moving upwards as more clubs join the race.
So Leeds may want to move quickly, but securing Diomande is becoming difficult as the queue of interested clubs continues to grow.