NafisaLeeds United look set to miss out on one of the defenders they were linked with earlier this summer after Nottingham Forest moved to the brink of completing a blockbuster deal for Sporting CP centre-back Ousmane Diomande.
Daniel Farke has already strengthened his defence with the club-record arrival of Tarik Muharemovic from Sassuolo, but Diomande was among several high-profile names to emerge during Leeds’ search for defensive reinforcements following Pascal Struijk’s departure.
While the Whites ultimately opted for Muharemovic, Forest have now accelerated their pursuit of the Ivory Coast international and appear to be closing in on one of the biggest defensive transfers of the summer.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Nottingham Forest are in advanced talks with Sporting CP over a package worth around €40 million (£34 million) for Diomande, with negotiations progressing well between the two clubs.
Romano also revealed that Sporting are already preparing for life without the 22-year-old by moving to sign Ibrahima Ba, a clear indication that the Portuguese champions expect Diomande’s departure to be completed in the coming days.
The transfer would represent another major statement of intent from Forest as they continue strengthening Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad ahead of the new Premier League season.
Diomande has established himself as one of Europe’s most exciting young central defenders since arriving at Sporting, combining outstanding athleticism, composure on the ball and defensive intelligence that has attracted interest from several top clubs across the continent.
Although Leeds admired the defender’s qualities, he was never viewed as the perfect tactical fit for Daniel Farke’s system.
The Ivory Coast international is naturally a right-sided centre-back, whereas Leeds’ recruitment team prioritised a left-footed defender capable of replacing Pascal Struijk on the left side of central defence.
That search eventually led the Whites to Muharemovic, with the Bosnia international completing a £34 million switch from Sassuolo to become one of Leeds’ marquee signings of the summer.
Since then, Leeds have shifted their attention towards strengthening other areas of the squad, including goalkeeper and attacking midfield, while remaining open to adding further defensive depth before the transfer window closes.
For Nottingham Forest, however, Diomande has become a priority target.
The defender has enjoyed a rapid rise since joining Sporting, becoming a regular starter for the Portuguese giants while also earning international recognition with Ivory Coast. His performances in both domestic competition and European football have earned widespread praise for his ability to defend aggressively, recover quickly and comfortably play out from the back.
Forest believe those qualities make him an ideal addition as they look to build on last season and establish themselves further in the Premier League.
Interestingly, if the transfer is completed in time, Diomande could make his competitive debut against Leeds United.
Daniel Farke’s side are scheduled to begin their 2026/27 Premier League campaign away at the City Ground on August 22, meaning Leeds supporters could get an immediate look at one of the players who was once linked with Elland Road—this time wearing the colours of a league rival.
While Leeds appear satisfied with their decision to invest heavily in Muharemovic, Forest’s pursuit of Diomande underlines the level of competition Premier League clubs now face in the transfer market.
With Sporting already arranging a replacement and Fabrizio Romano confirming talks are reaching their final stages, all signs point towards Diomande becoming Nottingham Forest’s next major signing.
For Leeds, attention now turns to completing the remainder of Daniel Farke’s summer rebuild, while Forest edge ever closer to securing one of Europe’s most highly-rated young defenders before the new season gets underway.
Nafisa
