Ousmane Diomande. (REUTERS/Pedro Nunes)
After winning the FA Cup last season, Crystal Palace are preparing to be raided this summer for several of their top talents.
Real Madrid are reportedly eyeing a sensational move for Adam Wharton, Eberechi Eze is attracting interest from Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, and a host of other elite clubs, while Jean-Philippe Mateta is said to be a target for Manchester United.
Perhaps most worryingly, though, the club seem destined to lose star centre-back Marc Guehi.
The England international is entering the final year of his contract, and though Palace have previously rejected bids from Spurs and Newcastle in excess of £60 million, they are now under pressure to cash in rather than risk losing him for free in 2026.
Liverpool, who are enjoying a fine summer window, are now said to be frontrunners, with Guehi reportedly open to the move—provided he is guaranteed a starting spot under new manager Arne Slot.
Fortunately, the Eagles seem to have already lined up a high-calibre replacement—and he’s one of Europe’s most in-demand young defenders.
Palace Agree Diomande Fee
According to a new report from Portuguese outlet A Bola, Palace have agreed a £47 million deal to sign Sporting Lisbon centre-back Ousmane Diomande.
Also tracked by Arsenal and Chelsea, Diomande, 21, is said to be impressed by Palace’s project and excited about the move—keen to play in the Premier League, the most visible league in world football, and at a club on the rise following their FA Cup triumph.
In terms of personal terms, there are no obstacles. Diomande is set to sign a five-year deal, with a significant pay increase from the €500,000 net salary he currently earns at Sporting.
Midtjylland, the Danish club that sold Diomande to Sporting in 2023 for €7.5 million plus add-ons, will also benefit from the move. They hold a 20% sell-on clause and stand to earn a sizeable cut from this deal.
The man who signed Diomande for Sporting—now Manchester United boss—has previously spoken glowingly about the Ivorian international’s talent.
“Diomande plays with both feet, and is very physically strong,” he said, according to Chronicle Live. “He is a very talented player and most people don’t know how many clubs were after him… Diomande is fast and I wanted a strong player for duels and with the ability to have the ball.”
Whether or not he can fully replace Guehi remains to be seen—but Palace may have just pulled off another shrewd signing.
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