Ruben Amorim’s former players have previously been linked with moves to Manchester United.
Ousmane Diomande
Ousmane Diomande has penned a new contract extension at Sporting CP(Image: )
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Sporting Clube de Portugal centre-back Ousmane Diomande has ended speculation over his future by signing a new contract extension with the club, despite recent links to Manchester United. The 22‑year‑old had reportedly been on United's radar, with suggestions he could reunite with former manager Ruben Amorim.
The Sun reported this month that seven potential signings proposed by Amorim were rejected by Jason Wilcox and Christopher Vivell, with Diomande believed to be among them, as the pair favoured a more data‑driven recruitment approach.
Fitness concerns surrounding Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire may have prompted Amorim to consider targeting one of his former players.
Last summer, the Manchester Evening News (citing Portuguese outlet A Bola) reported that Diomande had been identified as a potential target.
He had also attracted interest from Paris Saint‑Germain, Crystal Palace, Chelsea, Newcastle and Arsenal, but the defender has now ended the uncertainty by committing his future to Sporting.
His former deal had been set to run until 2027.
"I'm very happy. Sporting is truly a big club, not only in Portugal but worldwide," he said upon committing his future to the Lions until 2030.
"There are good people in the club, I feel at home and that's why I felt it was the right decision," Diomande said. "I feel that I have grown a lot, but also that I still have a lot to improve.
"I will continue to learn to be a better and better player.
"I only think about playing and proving my worth. From the coach to the players and staff, everyone helps. It's easy, as a player, to get good performances when you have people like that around you. Everything becomes easier."
Diomande's release clause is now fixed at €80million (£70m).
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