Nottingham Forest have secured the services of Ivory Coast international defender Ousmane Diomande, completing a four‑year contract after agreeing a transfer fee of approximately £34.3 million (about €40 million) with Sporting CP. The deal, which has been the subject of intense negotiation over recent weeks, marks a significant investment for the club as they look to reinforce their back line. The interest in Diomande was largely driven by head coach Oliver Glasner, who first identified the player while attempting to bring him to his former club Crystal Palace.
Glasner’s scouting network highlighted Diomande’s blend of physical presence, tactical awareness and experience in high‑pressure situations, qualities that fit the profile Forest have been seeking for their defensive unit. Born in 2002, the 22‑year‑old centre‑back spent the last four seasons at Sporting Lisbon, where he amassed 132 appearances across all competitions and contributed seven goals – a respectable tally for a defender.
During his tenure, Sporting enjoyed a period of domestic dominance, clinching the Primeira Liga title twice and securing a domestic double in the 2024/25 campaign. Diomande also played a pivotal role in Sporting’s run to the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League, gaining valuable experience against Europe’s elite clubs. On the international stage, Diomande has become a regular fixture for the Ivory Coast national team. He has earned 15 caps and was part of the squad that lifted the Africa Cup of Nations in 2023, ending an eight‑year trophy drought for his country.
Moreover, he featured in the 2026 World Cup, making an appearance in the tournament’s summer edition, which further underlined his growing reputation as a dependable defender on the world stage. Upon announcing his move, Diomande expressed his enthusiasm for joining Forest: "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." His remarks reflect both respect for Forest’s storied past and a clear ambition to contribute to future successes. Chief Football Officer George Syrianos also commented on the acquisition, 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 expected to bolster Forest’s defensive options, offering a blend of aerial strength, composure under pressure, and leadership qualities that are rare for a player of his age.
His experience in both domestic and European competitions should aid Forest’s aspirations to climb higher in the Premier League standings and possibly contend for cup runs. Beyond the headline signing, the transfer window has seen a flurry of activity involving various clubs.
Notable moves include Boyd Fraser heading to Hearts for an undisclosed fee, Mason Ayre joining Glentoran also on undisclosed terms, and Blaine McClure moving to Rangers under similar conditions. Xaver Schlager left RB Leipzig on a free transfer, while Grady McDonnell departed Club Brugge without a fee. Kasen Brown, Elliot Anderson, David Carmo, Joe Gardner, Cormac Daly, Angus Gunn, Ben Hammong, Justin Hanks, Danny Anisjko, Jota Silva, Willy Boly, Stefan Ortega, Shae Cahill and Esapa Osong all featured in the broader list of transfers, releases, or loan arrangements, highlighting the busy nature of the market.
For fans eager to stay updated, the Transfer Centre LIVE app provides real‑time notifications on smartphones. Those with Sky subscriptions can watch live coverage via the Sky Sports app, while non‑subscribers can gain instant access without a contract by downloading the Sky Sports app directly.
Additionally, a promotional Super 6 competition offers a chance to win £250,000, with entry available for free, adding an extra layer of excitement for supporters following the transfer saga. In summary, Ousmane Diomande’s move to Nottingham Forest represents a strategic acquisition aimed at strengthening the club’s defensive spine.
His proven track record at Sporting, combined with international experience and a winning mindset, aligns with Forest’s ambition to compete more fiercely in the Premier League and beyond. The club’s leadership expressed confidence that Diomande will adapt quickly and make a meaningful impact, while the player himself conveyed eagerness to embrace the challenge and win over the City Ground faithful. The upcoming season promises to be an intriguing one for Forest supporters, with Diomande’s presence expected to play a central role in the team’s defensive resilience and overall performance.