Nottingham Forest have completed the acquisition of Ivory Coast centre‑back Ousmane Diomande from Sporting CP, sealing a four‑year contract that sees the club part with a fixed transfer fee estimated at £34.3 million (about €40 million). After an extended period of negotiations, the deal was finally agreed, bringing the 22‑year‑old defender to the City Ground. The club’s interest in Diomande was largely driven by head coach Oliver Glasner, who had previously attempted to bring the player to his former club, Crystal Palace, before the opportunity arose at Forest.
Diomande arrives with a solid résumé. Over the past four seasons at Sporting, he featured in 132 matches, contributed seven goals, and helped the Portuguese side capture the Primeira Liga title on two occasions. His defensive prowess was a key factor in Sporting’s run to the knockout phase of the UEFA Champions League, and he also played a pivotal role in the club’s domestic double during the 2024/25 campaign. Internationally, Diomande has been a regular member of the Ivory Coast national team, earning 15 caps and participating in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations triumph – the nation’s first continental trophy in eight years.
He also made a single appearance at the summer World Cup, adding valuable tournament experience to his profile. Upon signing, Diomande expressed his enthusiasm for the move: "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 comments underscore a desire to contribute immediately and to connect with Forest’s passionate fan base.
Chief Football Officer George Syrianos also welcomed the new signing, 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." Syrianos highlighted Diomande’s blend of physical presence, tactical awareness, and a proven track record of success, all qualities that align with Forest’s aspirations for the upcoming season. The signing is part of a broader transfer window activity that sees several players moving across clubs in various leagues.
Notable names include Boyd Fraser heading to Hearts for an undisclosed fee, Mason Ayre joining Glentoran, and Blaine McClure signing for Rangers. Xaver Schlager and Grady McDonnell both left their previous clubs on free transfers, while Kasen Brown also departed Manchester City on a free deal. The window also featured high‑profile moves such as Elliot Anderson moving from Manchester City to an undisclosed destination for a reported £116 million fee, and David Carmo leaving Olympiacos for an undisclosed amount.
In addition to the incoming talent, Forest announced several departures, including the releases of veteran defenders Willy Boly and Stefan Ortega, as well as younger prospects Shae Cahill and Esapa Osong. These roster changes reflect the club’s strategy to refresh the squad while maintaining a core of experienced players capable of competing at the highest level of English football. Diomande’s arrival is expected to bolster Forest’s defensive line, offering both aerial strength and composure on the ball.
His experience in high‑pressure matches, such as Champions League knockout games and international tournaments, should prove valuable as Forest aims to improve upon its recent league performances. Moreover, his proven ability to contribute offensively on set‑pieces, as evidenced by his seven goals for Sporting, adds an extra dimension to the team’s attack. Fans can anticipate seeing Diomande don the iconic red and white kit at the City Ground soon, where his leadership and winning mentality will be put to the test in the Premier League’s demanding environment. The club’s hierarchy believes that his presence will not only solidify the back line but also inspire younger players within the squad to adopt a professional mindset and strive for collective success.
Overall, the acquisition of Ousmane Diomande represents a strategic investment by Nottingham Forest, aiming to combine youthful energy with seasoned experience. As the season approaches, the anticipation builds around how quickly the defender will adapt to English football, integrate with his new teammates, and help the club achieve its objectives on and off the pitch.