Manchester City have expressed interest in signing Ivorian centre-back Ousmane Diomandé from Sporting CP, joining a growing list of elite clubs monitoring the defender ahead of what could be a pivotal summer transfer window.
Despite featuring regularly for Sporting and helping the club maintain strong domestic form, Diomandé may be on the move at the end of the season.
The Portuguese side is in contention for the league title—just two points off the top—and has secured a place in the domestic cup final, setting up an intense finish to the campaign. Yet off the pitch, speculation surrounding the 20-year-old’s future is intensifying.
Manchester City have emerged as a serious contender for the Ivorian’s signature. The Premier League champions are preparing for a significant squad reshuffle after a challenging season by their standards.
Defensive reinforcements are believed to be a priority for manager Pep Guardiola, who has not been fully convinced by the current crop of central defenders, despite recent signings such as Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis, and Juma Bah.
City’s interest in Diomandé signals a desire for added stability and composure at the back, particularly with the team fighting to secure a top-four finish and ensure Champions League qualification.
Although they remain firmly in the race, the club is already looking ahead, seeking to rebuild areas of the squad with long-term solutions.
Sporting CP are not expected to part ways with Diomandé easily. The club has reportedly set a minimum asking price of €80 million for the defender—an amount that, while significant, is unlikely to deter City, whose financial capacity allows them to compete at the top end of the market.
Diomandé remains under contract until 2027, placing Sporting in a strong negotiating position.
The Ivorian international will not be short of options. Alongside City, both Manchester United and Arsenal have shown interest in the centre-back, adding further complexity to the player’s upcoming decision.
While a move to the Premier League appears increasingly likely, staying in Lisbon also remains on the table, especially if Sporting manage to clinch silverware and secure Champions League football.
With his current club still chasing major honours and his name circulating among Europe’s top clubs, Diomandé faces a summer filled with both opportunity and uncertainty.
His choice could not only shape the next chapter of his own career but also impact the defensive fortunes of whichever side wins the race for his signature.
For now, Diomandé remains focused on finishing the season strongly with Sporting. But as the summer window approaches, all eyes will be on the Ivorian as one of the most coveted young defenders in Europe.
