Crystal Palace will reportedly look to sign 21-year-old Ivory Coast international Ousmane Diomande from Portuguese club Sporting CP in the summer transfer window.

According to a report by O Jogo, as relayed by Sport Witness, Ousmane Diomande is the subject of interest from Crystal Palace. The Eagles are keen on reinforcing their defensive unit by signing a centre-back in the summer transfer window. So, the Sporting CP defender has emerged as a target for the South London club.

The Ivorian defensive prospect has a release clause worth €80 million in his contract with Sporting CP. While Crystal Palace will unlikely meet the Portuguese club’s valuation, they are preparing an offer to sign the highly-rated centre-back in the summer transfer window.

The rapid rise of Ousmane Diomande

Ousmane Diomande has established himself as one of the best young defensive prospects in the world since joining Sporting CP from Midtjylland in January 2023. The 21-year-old has been a mainstay at the back for the Portuguese club in the last two and a half years, and he has also enjoyed success in international football, winning the most recent Africa Cup of Nations.

Diomande has turned out over 100 times thus far for Crystal Palace while chipping in with six goals and two assists. Meanwhile, the Ivory Coast international has piqued the attention of several well-known clubs across Europe with his progress. Crystal Palace will be among the prospective suitors vying for his signature heading into the summer transfer window.

London calling?

Crystal Palace’s interest in Ousmane Diomande makes sense. The Eagles are worried about Marc Guehi’s long-term future, as he is a target for several European bigwigs. So, the South London club must scour the market for a top-class centre-back in the summer transfer window, with Diomande emerging as a viable target.

Recent reports have claimed that the Eagles have intensified their efforts to sign the 21-year-old Ivorian defensive prospect in the summer transfer window. The latest report has revealed that Crystal Palace will soon present a bid to land Diomande from Sporting CP.

The Ivory Coast international has a release clause worth €80 million in his contract with Sporting CP. While Crystal Palace will unlikely offer anything close to €80 million to sign the youngster, it will be interesting to see if they succeed with their opening bid.