Nottingham Forest have completed the acquisition of Ivory Coast international defender Ousmane Diomande, securing his services from Sporting CP on a four‑year contract. The English club agreed to a fixed transfer fee of roughly £34.3 million (about €40 million) after protracted negotiations that stretched over several weeks. The move was heavily influenced by Forest’s head coach Oliver Glasner, who first identified Diomande as a target while attempting to bring him to his previous club, Crystal Palace. Glasner’s belief in the young centre‑back’s abilities convinced the Forest hierarchy to act decisively.
Diomande, now 22, spent the past four seasons with Sporting in Portugal, amassing 132 appearances across all competitions. During that period he found the net seven times, an impressive tally for a defender, and contributed to Sporting’s domestic dominance, helping the team capture the Primeira Liga title on two occasions. In the 2024‑25 campaign he played a pivotal role in Sporting’s domestic double, winning both the league and the cup, and also helped the club advance to the knockout phase of the UEFA Champions League.
On the international stage, Diomande has become a regular fixture for the Ivory Coast national side. He has earned 15 caps and was part of the squad that clinched the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, ending an eight‑year wait for the nation’s second continental crown. He also featured in the World Cup held this summer, making a single appearance for his country. Upon announcing his arrival, Diomande expressed his enthusiasm: "I am very happy to be here.
It is a historic club, and it motivates me to join such a club. I believe we can achieve very good things this season and I am looking forward to meeting the players and head coach. I will give my best and all I can to help the team. I cannot wait to meet the supporters at the City Ground and together we can have a good season." Forest’s chief football officer George Syrianos echoed the sentiment, stating: "We have been very clear on the profile of player we want to add to the squad, so we are excited to welcome Ousmane to the club.
He has fantastic experience for a defender of his age. Playing a crucial role in title‑winning teams and going into the latter stages of the Champions League puts him in a great position to integrate well here at Forest.
Ousmane is a powerful, commanding defender, and arrives here with a winning mentality. He shares the same ambition for success we have, and we are excited to see the impact he can have in a Forest shirt." Diomande’s arrival is part of a broader transfer activity period for Forest, which also saw several other moves being confirmed or rumored.
While the club disclosed the fee for Diomande, many of the other transactions were listed as undisclosed or free transfers. Notable names include Boyd Fraser moving to Hearts, Mason Ayre joining Glentoran, and Blaine McClure heading to Rangers, all on undisclosed terms. Xaver Schlager and Grady McDonnell left their respective clubs, RB Leipzig and Club Brugge, on free transfers, as did Kasen Brown from Manchester City. In a surprising development, Elliot Anderson was transferred from Manchester City for a reported £116 million, marking one of the most significant fees of the window.
Other signings included David Carmo from Olympiacos (undisclosed fee), Joe Gardner from Falkirk (undisclosed), and Cormac Daly moving to Hearts on a free deal. The club also secured several free‑transfer acquisitions from abroad, such as Angus Gunn from the San Jose Earthquakes, Ben Hammong from Boston United, Justin Hanks from Solihull Moors, and Danny Anisjko from Chesterfield.
Additionally, Jota Silva arrived on loan from Olympiacos, while several players were released, including Willy Boly, Stefan Ortega, Shae Cahill, and Esapa Osong. The signing of Diomande is expected to bolster Forest’s defensive options considerably. His blend of physical presence, aerial ability, and experience in high‑pressure European matches should provide manager Oliver Glasner with a reliable figure at the heart of the back line.
Moreover, his winning mentality, forged through multiple domestic titles and continental competition, aligns with Forest’s ambition to climb the Premier League table and potentially challenge for European qualification. Fans have responded positively to the news, with many taking to social media to welcome the new centre‑back.
The City Ground’s supporters are eager to see how Diomande integrates with existing defenders and whether his leadership qualities will translate into improved defensive solidity for the team. Looking ahead, Forest will aim to incorporate Diomande into their pre‑season preparations, allowing him time to adapt to the pace and physicality of English football. The club’s coaching staff will likely focus on building chemistry between Diomande and the midfield, ensuring that his distribution from the back complements Forest’s playing style.
If all goes to plan, the 22‑year‑old could become a mainstay in the Forest defense, contributing not only with clean sheets but also with occasional goals from set‑pieces, as he demonstrated during his tenure at Sporting. Overall, the acquisition of Ousmane Diomande represents a significant investment for Nottingham Forest, reflecting the club’s intent to strengthen its squad with players who possess both experience and a hunger for success. The combination of his domestic achievements, Champions League exposure, and international pedigree makes him a valuable addition as Forest seeks to solidify its position in the Premier League and aim for higher aspirations in the coming seasons.