Nottingham Forest are moving towards what could become one of the club’s most significant transfer deals of the summer, with Ousmane Diomande emerging as a major target as Oliver Glasner looks to reshape his squad. According to BBC Sport, Forest are close to completing a deal for the Sporting Lisbon defender, with talks having accelerated in recent days.
Diomande, 22, has built a strong reputation in Portugal and beyond as a commanding central defender with presence, recovery pace and composure in possession. Forest’s interest feels deliberate and ambitious, especially with Glasner said to be pushing strongly for the move. The new boss is understood to be a long-time admirer, having previously tried to sign the Ivory Coast international during his time at Crystal Palace.
Photo IMAGO
Diomande transfer gathers pace
While a final agreement has not yet been signed off, the direction of travel is clear. Forest and Sporting are now believed to be in advanced discussions, with confidence growing that a breakthrough can be reached. Diomande has a £68.2m release clause, but Forest are working to secure the defender for a lower fee, an understandable stance given the scale of the clause and the need for careful planning in the modern market.
If Forest can pull this off below that figure, it would represent smart business as well as a bold statement. Diomande has already racked up more than 150 senior appearances in club football and has also collected 15 caps for Ivory Coast, a strong marker of both experience and reliability at a relatively young age.
Oliver Glasner making his mark
This report says plenty about Glasner’s early influence. Managers often talk about identity, balance and building from the back, and this pursuit fits that thinking neatly. Diomande looks the sort of defender who can anchor a back line, defend one-on-one and handle the physical demands of the Premier League.
Forest have often needed greater authority at the heart of defence, and…
..
