Nottingham Forest agree personal terms with Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande

Nottingham Forest have reached an agreement with Ousmane Diomande over the personal terms of a contract, but negotiations with Sporting CP over the transfer fee are still continuing.

The Premier League club are pursuing a deal for the Ivory Coast defender as they look to strengthen their defence ahead of the new season. Talks between Forest and Sporting CP are understood to be progressing steadily, although the Portuguese club have yet to give final approval to the transfer.

The remaining discussions centre on the structure and value of the fee. Sporting CP are holding firm on their demand for €40m guaranteed, with a further €5m available in performance-related bonuses.

An agreement on Diomande’s personal conditions has already been reached between the player and Nottingham Forest. That development suggests the defender is open to moving to the Premier League, with Forest continuing to work towards completing the deal.

The transfer will depend on whether the two clubs can settle the outstanding financial details, particularly the payment arrangements. Despite the continued talks, there is no final agreement between Nottingham Forest and Sporting CP at this stage.

Diomande established himself as one of the most promising young defenders in Europe during his time in Portugal. His performances for Sporting CP have attracted interest from several clubs across the continent and strengthened his reputation as a player with significant long-term potential.

The Ivory Coast international has become an important member of the Sporting CP side. His composure in defence, imposing physical presence and tactical intelligence have made him a key player for the club.

Those qualities have also contributed to Sporting CP’s determination to secure a transfer package that reflects Diomande’s rising market value. The club’s firm position on the guaranteed fee means Forest must decide whether to meet the asking price or continue negotiating over the terms of the proposed deal.

For Nottingham Forest, the potential signing would underline their ambition to improve the squad after their recent performances. Adding Diomande would give the club another highly regarded defensive option as preparations continue for the new campaign.

However, the agreement over personal terms is only one part of the process. The final outcome will now be determined by the ability of Nottingham Forest and Sporting CP to reach a compromise over the fee and payment structure.