Crystal Palace are reportedly eyeing a move for Ousmane Diomand this summer, rekindling their interest in the Sporting CP defender.
According to a report in Portuguese outlet Record (via Sports Witness), the Eagles have identified the 22-year-old as a key target to solidify their defense for the 2026-27 season.
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Crystal Palace preparing to make big move to sign Ousmane Diomand
The south London club tried to lure the Ivory Coast international to Selhurst Park last year and are now finally ready to make a “serious push” to sign him.
The urgency behind the chase stems from the recent departure of former captain Marc Guech, who completed a high-profile move to Manchester City for around £20 million in the January window.
Guehi’s departure left a huge hole in Oliver Glasner’s rearguard, leading to the manager publicly expressing his dissatisfaction with the club’s hierarchy.
Diomande is an agile defender and physically imposing centre-back and is seen as the ideal tactical successor.
Despite signing a contract extension with Sporting in Lisbon just last month, keeping him under contract until 2030, records say the renewal did not guarantee him staying but was a strategic move to protect his market value.
His release clause is pegged at €80m (about £69m), but Sporting’s board reportedly recognizes the need to generate transfer income this summer to fund infrastructure projects, potentially opening the door to negotiations below that figure.
Crystal Palace faces stiff competition from their Premier League rivals
Palace won’t be able to attack defenders clearly. Newcastle United are reportedly stepping up their scouting efforts in Portugal despite Diomande being sidelined with a thigh injury earlier this season.
Arsenal are also one of the clubs showing strong interest in the player. The Gunners and Chelsea said they were in contact with the player’s agent last year and are continuing to monitor his situation.
Diomande, who has 26 caps for Ivory Coast and has played in the Champions League, has long harbored ambitions to play in the Premier League.
Crystal Palace had a disappointing season
Many expected Oliver Glasner’s side to build on last season’s FA Cup win to advance to the Premier League. In fact, momentum has stagnated.
The departure of key players in the summer, including Ebelesi Eze, left the team significantly weakened, but the departure of Marc Gehi in January added to the problem.
Since then, Glasner has expressed his dissatisfaction with the club’s ambitions, highlighting the growing uncertainty behind the scenes.
With Glasner confirming he will leave at the end of the season, Selhurst Park’s prospects look increasingly bleak.
Palace currently sit 13th in the Premier League and look set to miss out on qualifying for Europe, but this could be a decisive setback in their quest for reinforcements.
That uncertainty could ultimately impact Diomand’s decision on whether to join the Eagles.
