Nottingham Forest in advanced talks to sign Sporting centre-back Ousmane Diomande for €45m package

Nottingham Forest are in advanced negotiations with Sporting CP over a deal to sign Ivory Coast defender Ousmane Diomande, with the final fee expected to reach around €45m including bonuses.

Talks between the Portuguese club and the Premier League side are ongoing as both parties work towards a definitive agreement for the 21-year-old centre-back. While the transfer has not yet been finalised, the two clubs are understood to be edging closer to a compromise on the overall structure of the deal.

According to journalist Sebastiao Sousa-Pinto, Sporting are seeking to bring in about €45m in total including add-ons for Diomande, reflecting their view of his market value and potential. The Primeira Liga side want to maximise the return on one of their most prized assets but remain open to negotiation with Forest.

The discussions currently centre on how the fee will be put together, with a guaranteed fixed amount supplemented by performance-related bonuses. Those variables are expected to be tied to both the player’s individual contribution and team achievements, a formula that could help bridge the gap between the clubs’ positions.

Diomande gives Forest green light on personal terms

While Sporting and Forest continue to debate the financial details, Diomande has already taken a significant step towards the move by giving his provisional approval to join the Premier League club.

The centre-back is thought to have been convinced by Nottingham Forest’s sporting project and the opportunity to play in the Premier League. His personal agreement removes a major obstacle from the process and is helping to smooth negotiations between the two clubs.

However, no transfer can be made official until a full financial agreement is reached between Sporting and Forest.

Forest target defensive reinforcement

Nottingham Forest have been highly active in the summer transfer window as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of the new campaign, with particular focus on reinforcing their back line.

Diomande’s profile is seen as an excellent fit for Forest’s requirements. The Ivorian is noted for his physical strength, his ability to play out from the back and his versatility, being comfortable in both a back three and a back four.

Since breaking through at Sporting CP, Diomande has delivered a series of impressive performances and has established himself as one of the most promising defenders in the Portuguese league. His rise has attracted attention from several clubs across Europe over recent months, but Forest are currently in the strongest position to secure his signature.

Deal edging towards decisive phase

Talks are expected to continue in the short term as the clubs attempt to close the remaining gap over the fee and bonus structure. The aim on both sides is to settle on an agreement that totals about €45m when objectives are included.

Barring an unexpected twist in negotiations, Diomande is moving ever closer to a switch to the Premier League, where a new challenge with Nottingham Forest awaits.

Diomande is under contract with Sporting CP until June 2030 and is currently valued at €42m by Transfermarkt. The Ivory Coast international is reported to earn an annual salary of €3,460,000 (2,249,000,000 FCFA) at the Portuguese club.