Ivorian defender Ousmane Diomandé appears to be edging closer to a move to Crystal Palace, despite strong interest from European giants Bayern Munich and Chelsea, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
The 21-year-old centre-back, a standout performer for Sporting CP and a key figure in Ivory Coast’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations triumph, is reportedly open to the idea of plying his trade in the English Premier League.
While links to traditional powerhouses had been circulating for months, it is the South London club that has emerged as a serious contender to secure his signature.
Crystal Palace, who finished 12th in the 2024/25 Premier League season, have entered advanced negotiations with Sporting Lisbon over a potential transfer.
The Portuguese club values Diomandé at €45 million, and the player is under contract until 2027.
Talks are said to be progressing, with Palace manager Oliver Glasner having given his approval for the move.
Diomandé’s willingness to embrace a Premier League challenge could prove decisive.
A move to Palace would provide the Abidjan-born defender with regular top-flight action in England, while potentially serving as a springboard to even greater heights.
The Sporting defender has made 46 appearances this season in all competitions, contributing two goals and one assist.
His commanding presence at the back played a vital role in Sporting’s domestic success, helping the club secure a second Portuguese league title during his tenure.
Having joined Sporting in January 2023 from Danish side FC Midtjylland following a loan spell at Mafra, Diomandé has quickly risen through the European ranks.
His consistent performances, physicality, and calmness under pressure have made him a highly coveted talent across the continent.
Should the deal be finalised, Diomandé would become the latest Ivorian to feature in the Premier League and would be reunited with fellow Anglo-Ivorians at Selhurst Park, including Romain Esse and Marc Guéhi.
🚨🦅 Crystal Palace are in talks with Sporting CP for Ousmane Diomandé as new centre back.
Negotiations underway with player open to Premier League move. Oliver Glasner has also approved Diomandé as target. pic.twitter.com/ol7XHPVuCx
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 19, 2025
The latter, who has represented England 23 times, previously made headlines in August 2024 by publicly addressing his decision to represent the Three Lions rather than Ivory Coast.
For Crystal Palace, the acquisition of Diomandé would represent a bold move—bringing in a proven international defender with both continental and domestic honours to his name.
The club’s supporters will be watching closely as the negotiations develop in what could be one of the most surprising transfers of the summer window.
