Nottingham Forest endured a difficult 2025/26 campaign, with a turbulent season seeing them struggle for consistency and go through significant changes both on and off the pitch.
With defensive issues a major concern, Forest are now looking to address one of their biggest weaknesses by adding a highly rated centre-back who could become a key figure in their rebuild.
And it appears they are close to landing one of Europe’s most promising defenders.
Forest in “Advanced Talks” for Diomande
Nottingham Forest are reportedly nearing an agreement to sign Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande, with negotiations at an advanced stage.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Forest are working towards a deal worth around €40 million (£34m) for the Ivory Coast international.
Romano wrote on X: “Nottingham Forest are in advanced talks to sign Ousmane Diomandé from Sporting. Negotiations underway between clubs and with the centre back’s camp, #NFFC are on it to get the agreement done.”
The 22-year-old has quickly established himself as one of Sporting’s most valuable assets since arriving from Midtjylland in 2023, following a short loan spell with Portuguese side CD Mafra.
During his time in Lisbon, Diomande has made 132 appearances, helping Sporting win two Primeira Liga titles and the Taça de Portugal.
Already a full Ivory Coast international with 16 caps, the defender was also part of the squad that lifted the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Sporting head coach Rui Borges has previously praised Diomande as “superb”, and Forest will hope his combination of strength, pace and composure can help transform their back line.
