Crystal Palace are in advanced talks to sign Ivorian centre-back Ousmane Diomande from Sporting CP, with the Premier League side reportedly prepared to pay a club-record fee of €55 million for the highly rated defender.
According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, negotiations between Palace and Sporting have progressed significantly, as the South London club look to reinforce their back line ahead of the new season.
Diomande, 20, is expected to replace England international Marc Guehi, whose departure from Selhurst Park now appears increasingly likely.
Guehi has been the subject of growing interest from several top Premier League clubs following another strong campaign at the heart of Palace’s defence.
His performances have not only caught the eye domestically but also earned him a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad.
With potential suitors circling, Crystal Palace have moved quickly to identify a replacement capable of stepping straight into the starting XI.
Diomande has enjoyed a rapid rise since joining Sporting from Danish side FC Midtjylland in January 2023. The Ivorian’s commanding presence, composure on the ball, and physical strength have made him one of the standout defenders in the Portuguese league.
His development has not gone unnoticed, with several European clubs monitoring his progress, but Palace appear to be the front-runners to secure his signature.
Should the deal be finalised at the reported €55 million, it would represent the highest transfer fee in Crystal Palace’s history — a clear signal of intent from the club’s hierarchy as they prepare for life potentially without one of their defensive pillars.
The move would also be a significant moment in Diomande’s career. At just 20 years old, he would be making the step into one of the most demanding leagues in world football, with the expectation to fill the void left by a proven Premier League performer.
Nevertheless, his blend of raw talent and maturity has impressed scouts, and Palace believe he has the qualities required to succeed in England.
Guehi, meanwhile, is expected to weigh up his options in the coming weeks. While Crystal Palace would prefer to keep the 23-year-old, the lure of European football and interest from top-six clubs may prove too strong to resist.
The club’s willingness to sanction a high-profile deal for Diomande suggests they are already planning for Guehi’s exit.
For Palace, the potential arrival of Diomande marks a bold step in their strategy of investing in young, high-potential talent. It also highlights their ambition to remain competitive in the Premier League, even amid the likelihood of losing key players.
An official announcement regarding Diomande’s transfer is expected once final terms are agreed and personal details are settled. If completed, the deal would not only reshape Palace’s defensive setup but also signal the start of a new era at Selhurst Park — one that blends youth, ambition, and long-term planning at the heart of its identity.
