Nottingham Forest have completed the acquisition of Ivory Coast international defender Ousmane Diomande from Portuguese giants Sporting CP, securing his services on a four‑year contract. The English club agreed to a fixed transfer fee of roughly £34.3 million (about €40 million) after an extended period of negotiation, marking one of the most significant investments in Forest’s recent history. The move was heavily influenced by head coach Oliver Glasner, who first identified Diomande as a target while attempting to sign him during his previous tenure at Crystal Palace.
Glasner’s belief in the young centre‑back’s abilities and his potential to strengthen Forest’s defensive line proved decisive, and the club ultimately succeeded in closing the deal. Diomande arrives at the City Ground after four seasons with Sporting, where he featured in 132 matches and contributed seven goals from defence.
During his time in Portugal, he helped the club capture two Primeira Liga titles and was instrumental in Sporting’s run to the knockout phase of the UEFA Champions League. The 22‑year‑old also played a pivotal role in Sporting’s domestic double in the 2024/25 campaign, showcasing his capacity to perform at the highest domestic level.
On the international stage, Diomande has already earned 15 caps for the Ivory Coast senior side. He was part of the squad that lifted the Africa Cup of Nations in 2023 – the nation’s first triumph in eight years – and he featured in one match at this summer’s FIFA World Cup, gaining valuable experience against world‑class opposition. Upon confirming his move, Diomande expressed genuine excitement about joining a club with such a storied heritage.
"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," he said. He added, "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 enthusiasm, noting that the club had a clear profile in mind for the type of player they wanted to add. "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," Syrianos explained. He continued, "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 back line, offering a blend of physical presence, aerial ability, and composure on the ball.
His experience in high‑pressure environments – from domestic title races to European knockout fixtures – should provide a steadying influence on a relatively young defensive unit. Moreover, his international pedigree brings a winning mindset that aligns with the club’s aspirations to climb the Premier League table and possibly challenge for European qualification in the coming seasons.
Beyond the primary transfer, the announcement also listed a series of other moves involving various clubs, though many of these are undisclosed or free transfers. Notable mentions include Boyd Fraser moving to Hearts, Mason Ayre heading to Glentoran, and Xaver Schlager departing RB Leipzig on a free. Several players were released, such as Willy Boly, Stefan Ortega, Shae Cahill, and Esapa Osong, indicating a broader reshuffle within the football market. The signing of Diomande underscores Nottingham Forest’s commitment to investing in quality talent to achieve their competitive objectives.
By securing a defender who has already demonstrated success at both club and international levels, Forest aims to solidify their defensive foundation, improve consistency, and add depth to a squad eager to re‑establish itself among England’s elite. Fans can anticipate seeing Diomande don the iconic Forest jersey soon, with expectations that his presence will help the team navigate the rigours of the Premier League and possibly make a statement in cup competitions.
As the season approaches, the excitement among supporters is palpable. The combination of a high‑profile signing, a clear strategic vision from the coaching staff, and the club’s historical legacy creates a compelling narrative for the upcoming campaign. Whether Forest can translate this momentum into tangible results remains to be seen, but the acquisition of Ousmane Diomande certainly provides a solid platform on which to build future success.