Nottingham Forest are closing in on a blockbuster signing this summer after Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim labelled Ousmane Diomande “very physically strong” and “very talented”. The 22-year-old centre-back has emerged as one of Portugal’s brightest defenders, and Forest are ready to pay £42.4m to land him before the window slams shut.
What has Ruben Amorim said about Diomande?
Amorim, who coached Diomande at Sporting, has repeatedly sung the defender’s praises. Back in September 2023, he told the Daily Mail: “Diomande plays with both feet, and is very physically strong. He is a very talented player and most people don’t know how many clubs were after him.” Those quotes will resonate with Forest fans, who need defensive cover after shipping 18 goals in their last 10 games.
Diomande’s rise under Amorim has been meteoric. The 22-year-old helped Sporting win back-to-back league titles and guided them to the Champions League quarter-finals last season, where they lost a tight tie to Arsenal. His ability to play out from the back and dominate aerial duels makes him a perfect fit for Forest’s high-pressing system.
How much will Forest pay for Diomande?
Forest’s valuation sits at £42.4m, a figure Record Portugal claims is a relative steal given Amorim’s glowing assessment. The Tricky Trees are light at centre-back after injuries to Joe Worrall and Moussa Niakhaté, leaving them exposed at the back. A deal for Diomande would shore up their defensive frailties and add a young, homegrown star to their ranks.
The race for Diomande’s signature is fierce. Fulham, Crystal Palace and Tottenham are all circling, but Forest’s hierarchy believes Amorim’s endorsement could swing the deal their way. The club’s hierarchy has already earmarked the defender as a priority target, with talks ongoing this week.
Who else is Forest targeting this summer?
Forest are also keeping tabs on Celtic midfielder Arne Engels, 22, who starred in their double-winning Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup campaign last season. The Tricky Trees bid £25m for Engels in January but were rebuffed. Now, with the window open, they’ll try again-though Fulham, Palace and Spurs stand in their way.
Forest’s transfer business is in full swing as they aim to arrest their slide down the table. League standing: 18th in Premier League, 0 pts. Their next fixture is at home to Manchester United on 20 February 2027, when they’ll look to kickstart a recovery.
