Nottingham Forest Complete £34m Signing of Ousmane Diomande From Sporting

Posted : 11 August 2026

Nottingham Forest have strengthened their defence with the signing of Ivory Coast international Ousmane Diomande from Sporting, with the transfer reported to be worth around £34.3 million (€40m).

The 22-year-old centre-back has agreed a four-year contract with Forest, with the Premier League club holding an option to extend the deal for another season. Diomande becomes one of the latest additions to Oliver Glasner's squad as the new manager continues to reshape the team ahead of the campaign.

Diomande is expected to fit naturally into Glasner's preferred three-at-the-back system. His arrival could see him operate alongside Nikola Milenkovic and Murillo, providing Forest with additional pace, strength and defensive authority.

The Ivorian began his career at Olympic Sport Abobo before moving to Denmark and joining FC Midtjylland. After a loan spell with Portuguese club Mafra, his performances earned him a move to Sporting in January 2023. He went on to establish himself as an important member of the Lisbon side.

During his time at Sporting, Diomande made more than 100 first-team appearances and helped the club win consecutive Portuguese league titles in 2023-24 and 2024-25. He also gained valuable Champions League experience as Sporting reached the quarter-finals last season.

Diomande has also become an established member of the Ivory Coast national team. He has earned 15 international caps and was included in his country's squad for the 2026 World Cup, making an appearance during the group-stage victory over Curaçao.

Forest's interest in Diomande is also linked to Glasner, who has admired the defender for some time. The Austrian manager previously attempted to bring him to Crystal Palace before taking charge at Nottingham Forest.

Forest chief football officer George Syrianos praised the defender's experience despite his young age, highlighting his involvement in title-winning teams and deep Champions League runs as evidence that he can adapt quickly to the demands of English football.

Diomande's transfer follows Forest's acquisition of Austria midfielder Xaver Schlager on a free transfer earlier in the summer, as Glasner continues to build a squad capable of competing at a higher level.

Nottingham Forest Complete £34m Signing of Ousmane Diomande From Sporting

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