Liverpool and Newcastle United are reportedly monitoring the progress of Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande, a target for Chelsea.
According to a report by Football Transfers, Ousmane Diomande is the subject of interest from Chelsea. But Liverpool and Newcastle United are also keeping tabs on the 20-year-old defender. Meanwhile, the Sporting CP defender will cost €80 million, with the Portuguese club demanding his release clause be triggered to part ways with him in the summer transfer window.
The Rise and Rise of Ousmane Diomande
Ousmane Diomande has come leaps and bounds in the last few years. A native of Abidjan, he spent most of his formative years in his homeland before arriving in Europe by joining FC Midtjylland in January 2022. The youngster’s exploits with the Danish club captured the attention of several well-known clubs before Sporting CP secured his services in January 2023.
The 20-year-old has gone from strength to strength in the last 15 months, establishing himself as one of the best young defenders in the world. The youngster has already turned out over 50 times thus far for Sporting CP, chipping in with four goals and one assist. Meanwhile, Diomande was a part of the squad that won the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year.
Diomande’s progress at Sporting CP has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs, including Chelsea, Liverpool and Newcastle United. Meanwhile, Sporting CP will point to his release clause of €80 million to part ways with him in the summer transfer window.
Premier League Move on the Horizon?
Chelsea’s interest in Ousmane Diomande is understandable. Thiago Silva has entered the final three months of his contract with the West London club, while Trevoh Chalobah and Benoit Badiashile face an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge. So, the Sporting CP whizkid is a viable target for Chelsea.
As for Liverpool, Joel Matip will likely depart from Anfield as a free agent this summer. So, the Ivory Coast international is an option worth considering. Meanwhile, Newcastle United are in a spot of bother after losing two centre-backs to long-term injuries. So, they have set their sights on Diomande.
Spending €80 million might not necessarily be a problem for Chelsea, Liverpool, and Newcastle United. However, Chelsea and Newcastle are in the dock for potentially breaching the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules and must keep their spending in order. So, Liverpool might have the upper hand in the battle for the Sporting CP defender.
