NafisaThe summer window is beginning to build momentum across Europe, with elite clubs already positioning themselves for major moves before the market officially heats up.
Behind the scenes, scouting departments across the Premier League have been working for months, identifying defensive reinforcements who could elevate their squads immediately.
In particular, centre-backs with elite physicality, composure and top-level experience are becoming increasingly difficult to acquire, with demand rising sharply for young defenders already performing at the highest level.
At the same time, Leeds United are preparing for a crucial transfer window of their own. Having returned to the Premier League and stabilised their position, the Whites are now expected to push more aggressively in the market as they look to strengthen key areas of Daniel Farke’s squad ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
One of those areas is defence, where Leeds are believed to be assessing long-term upgrades capable of raising the overall ceiling of the team.
That search has now led them to one of Europe’s most sought-after young defenders.
Leeds United reportedly want to break their transfer record this summer to sign Ousmane Diomande from Sporting.
The Whites are among several Premier League clubs credited with an interest in the Ivory Coast international after previous links to Arsenal, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Manchester United and Newcastle United. Diomande, 22, has a £69million (€80m) release clause and signed a four-and-a-half-year contract extension during January.
However, any bid in the region of £43million (€50m) is believed to be enough for the Lisbon-based side to open negotiations over a potential transfer. Sporting originally paid £11million (€12.5m) to secure the then-teenage centre-back from Danish outfit Midtjylland three-and-a-half years ago.
Ivorian outlet 225foot were the first to report the claims, with TEAMtalk then adding to them, and Portuguese publication A BOLA now confirming Leeds’ interest. The Whites are reportedly willing to offer more than ever before for a player, up to £35million, with another £8million in add-ons.
That would surpass the roughly £36million fee paid to Hoffenheim for Georginio Rutter three-and-a-half years ago. Leeds signed Jaka Bijol and Sebastiaan Bornauw following their promotion to the Premier League, but the latter managed just 14 appearances last season.
Bijol, meanwhile, did not start the campaign as a regular starter but quickly forced his way into Daniel Farke’s plans.
The Slovenian international eventually benefited from Farke’s tactical switch to a back three from late November onwards. He formed part of a defensive unit alongside Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk, although one of that trio would likely be displaced if Diomande were to arrive.
Struijk is notably entering the final year of his contract, and the vice-captain could leave on a free transfer next summer if no renewal is agreed before then. That situation also leaves the door open for him to agree a pre-contract with a foreign club from the start of next year.
Ethan Ampadu spoke about Struijk’s influence after signing his own new contract last week.
“He’s been massive,” the Leeds captain said when asked how much of a support he has been. If you want to talk about how the players are, I think the whole squad in general – it’s not just the captain, vice-captain
I think Pascal can also give testament to every other player here. It’s a squad that’s full of leaders.
Ampadu added: “I hope that everyone can be here. I think we’ve achieved something great this season, and I believe that everyone wants to go and achieve greater things. So I think obviously it’d be very sad to see anyone going, obviously Pascal included.”
Nafisa
