Forest bolster defence with signing of Diomande from Sporting

Nottingham Forest have secured the signature of Ivorian centre back Ousmane Diomande from Sporting on a four-year contract, with a potential additional year. The deal, valued at approximately €40 million, was announced by the Premier League club on Tuesday. Diomande, a 22-year-old product of Danish club Midtjylland's academy, joined Sporting in 2023 and has since become a crucial player for the Lisbon side.

During his tenure, he has made 132 appearances in all competitions, contributing to Sporting's back-to-back Primeira Liga titles in the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons, as well as the 2024-25 Portuguese Cup. Additionally, Diomande represented his country at the 2024 World Cup, where Ivory Coast was eliminated by Norway in the round of 32.

In a statement, Forest's Chief Football Officer George Syrianos highlighted Diomande's qualities, stating, "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." The club's appointment of Austrian manager Oliver Glasner in July, as they aim to rebuild ahead of the new season, was also mentioned.

Nottingham Forest, who finished 16th in the Premier League last season, are set to commence their league campaign at home against Leeds United on August 22.