Nottingham Forest are on the brink of completing one of the biggest moves of the summer transfer window after agreeing a deal for Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande. The Ivory Coast international had attracted interest from several top clubs around Europe, but the Reds have acted quickly to move ahead in the race for his signature.

A major defensive addition for Glasner

As per The Athletic, Nottingham Forest are close to sealing the €40 million (£34.3m) signing of Diomande as new head coach Oliver Glasner continues to reshape his squad. The transfer is now in its final stages, with the defender expected to travel on Saturday for a medical before signing a five-year contract.

Diomande first joined Sporting in January 2023 on a deal that runs until June 2027. The Portuguese club signed him from Midtjylland for €7.5 million, with add-ons capable of taking the total amount to €12.5 million, after he impressed during a loan spell with Mafra.

Diomande's rise and international experience

The 22-year-old centre-back represented Ivory Coast alongside Forest midfielder Ibrahim Sangare at the World Cup this summer. After playing more than 50 matches for Sporting, Diomande has also won 16 international caps, establishing himself in the national team through his strong physical presence and calmness on the ball.

During his spell at Sporting, Diomande compiled an impressive list of honours, helping the club win consecutive Primeira Liga titles in 2023-24 and 2024-25, along with the Taca de Portugal in 2024-25. At international level, he was also part of the Ivory Coast squad that won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2023.

Forest's busy summer recruitment drive

Forest have already completed the free transfer of midfielder Xaver Schlager from RB Leipzig as Glasner continues his rebuilding work at the City Ground. While Schlager brings energy and tactical discipline in midfield, Diomande's arrival would further strengthen the spine of the side.

After a disappointing domestic season in which they finished 16th last term, Forest are eager to support Glasner. The club want to give him the resources needed to put his high-pressing style in place, with hopes of reproducing the outstanding success he enjoyed at Crystal Palace, where he won the 2024-25 FA Cup, the 2025 FA Community Shield and the 2025-26 UEFA Conference League. Diomande appears to fit that plan perfectly, bringing high potential, European experience and instant quality.

Securing the future of key assets

Alongside their new signings, Forest have also moved early to keep hold of important players, tying down Sangare and Murillo to new contracts running until 2029 and 2030 respectively. The strengthened squad will aim to make a fast start when they begin their Premier League campaign at home against Leeds United on August 22.