Negotiations between Nottingham Forest and Sporting CP over the transfer of Ousmane Diomande are progressing, although the Portuguese club has not yet given final approval to the deal.
The two sides are continuing discussions over the overall transfer fee, with Sporting CP maintaining its valuation of the Ivory Coast defender. The club is seeking €40m guaranteed, with a further €5m available in performance-related bonuses.
While talks between the clubs remain ongoing, Forest have already reached an agreement with Diomande over the personal terms of his contract. That development suggests the defender is open to moving to the Premier League, with Nottingham Forest continuing to work on strengthening their defence before the new season.
The final outcome will depend on whether the two clubs can reach an agreement on the payment structure and the terms attached to the proposed deal. Sporting CP’s approval is still required before the transfer can be completed.
Diomande has established himself as one of Europe’s most promising young defenders during his time in Portugal and has attracted interest from several clubs across the continent. His composed approach, imposing physical presence and tactical intelligence have made him an important player for Sporting CP.
Those qualities also explain Sporting CP’s determination to secure a fee that reflects Diomande’s increasing market value. The club continues to hold firm on its demand for €40m in guaranteed income, while the additional €5m would depend on the player meeting performance-related conditions.
For Nottingham Forest, the potential signing would underline their ambition to improve the squad ahead of the upcoming campaign. The club are seeking to add further strength to their defence, and Diomande’s profile has made him a key target in those efforts.
An agreement on personal terms has already removed one potential obstacle, but negotiations between Nottingham Forest and Sporting CP remain the decisive stage of the transfer. Forest will now need to find common ground with the Portuguese club over the financial arrangements if they are to complete the move for Diomande.
The Ivory Coast international’s willingness to consider the transfer gives Nottingham Forest encouragement, but the deal is not yet final. Until Sporting CP approves the agreement and both clubs settle the payment details, Diomande remains a Sporting player.
