What happened?

Ousmane Diomande has remained in Lisbon while negotiations over his move to Nottingham Forest continue, sparking speculation that the deal is nearing completion.

Why it matters for Nottingham Forest

The decision to leave Diomande behind for a friendly against his prospective new club is seen as a strong indication that everyone involved expects the move to happen.

What comes next?

Until signatures are on the paperwork, Forest supporters are entitled to keep a small degree of caution, but the latest development suggests that the transfer is entering its final stages.

In a pre-season friendly in the Algarve, Sporting and Forest are set to meet, with Diomande staying behind in Lisbon. The Portuguese defender has not even travelled with the Portuguese club, instead remaining in Lisbon while negotiations over his move to the City Ground continue. On the face of it, the decision makes sense, as Sporting clearly do not want to expose a player on the verge of leaving to any unnecessary injury risk. At the same time, though, it is an eye-catching move given the transfer has yet to be officially completed.

Portuguese newspapers see it as another clear indication that the deal is entering its final stages. Both O Jogo and A Bola report that Diomande stayed behind while Sporting travelled south for the match. O Jogo says the defender was left out because he is in the final stages of completing his transfer. The club is unwilling to risk any physical setback that could jeopardise a deal. The newspaper values the transfer at €40m (£35m) in guaranteed money.

A Bola goes even further, stating that Diomande is “on his way” to Nottingham Forest and that negotiations should be concluded in the coming hours. According to the newspaper, Sporting will receive no less than €40m (£35m) as a fixed fee.

Earlier this week, Portuguese reports revealed the two clubs were separated by just €2m (£1.7m) on the guaranteed fee. There were also suggestions that Evangelos Marinakis’ tough negotiating style had contributed to the slower pace of talks.

Now, with Diomande not even travelling for a match against the club trying to sign him, there is another strong indication that everyone involved expects the move to happen. Until signatures are on the paperwork, Forest supporters are entitled to keep a small degree of caution. But leaving the defender behind for a friendly against his prospective new club is about as strong a hint as Sporting could give that this transfer is nearing the finish line.

As of 31 Jul 2026, Nottingham Forest are 16th in the Premier League table, with 44 points from 38 games, and recent form of DLDWW.

The Reds have scored 48 goals this season and conceded 51, resulting in a goal difference of -3. They are 41 points behind leaders Arsenal in the title race.

Nottingham Forest's last result was a 1-1 draw with Bournemouth on 24 May 2026.

In their last five games, the Reds have recorded 0 wins, 3 draws, and 2 losses, with recent form of DDLLD.

As the transfer saga enters its final stages, fans can only wait and see if Diomande will finally join the Reds.