Leeds United are preparing for what could become one of the most ambitious transfer moves in the club’s recent history, with Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande emerging as a major target ahead of the summer window.
The 22-year-old Ivory Coast international has attracted long-standing interest from across the Premier League, with Arsenal, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Manchester United and Newcastle United all previously linked. Leeds United are now understood to be firmly in the conversation, according to The Mirror.
Leeds United Transfer Ambition Clear
Reports suggest Leeds are willing to go further than ever before for one player. Their current transfer record stands at around £36million, paid to Hoffenheim for Georginio Rutter three-and-a-half years ago. Any successful move for Ousmane Diomande could eclipse that figure.
Leeds are said to be ready to offer up to £35million, with a further £8million available in add-ons. That package would take the overall value to £43million, a figure believed to be enough to bring Sporting CP to the negotiating table.
Diomande’s release clause stands at £69million, or €80million, after he signed a four-and-a-half-year contract extension in January. Yet the feeling around the situation is that Sporting may listen if a proposal reaches the €50million mark, particularly if the structure of the deal is attractive.
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Ousmane Diomande Profile Fits Premier League Demand
Diomande has built a strong reputation in Portugal since joining Sporting CP from Midtjylland. The Lisbon club paid around £11million, or €12.5million, for the then-teenage centre-back three-and-a-half years ago. His development since then has placed him among the more admired young defenders in European football.
At 22, he offers the blend Premier League clubs increasingly crave, physical presence, recovery pace, comfort in possession and scope for further growth. For Leeds United, that profile would make clear sense as they look to build a…
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