Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner watching on from the dugout
Crystal Palace could reignite their interest in Sporting Lisbon defender Ousmane Diomande in January, according to Portuguese publication A Bola.
The Selhurst Park side targeted a move for the Ivory Coast international during the summer transfer window, as they looked to sign a long-term replacement for captain Marc Guehi.
With the England international confirmed to depart Palace in 2026, potentially on the expiry of his contract in June, Palace will be forced onto the market for a new centre-back.
A Bola suggests the Eagles’ pursuit of Diomande could happen as soon as January, after the West London side were ready to splash out €55m (£48m) on the 21-year-old defender this summer.
Diomande, who joined Sporting from Danish side Midtjylland in January 2023, is under contract until June 2027 in the Portuguese capital.
Palace Could Return for Diomande in January
Ousmane Diomande in action for Sporting
According to A Bola, Sporting are aiming to keep Diomande in January and are looking to secure the 21-year-old’s future by tying him to a new long-term contract.
It is said that a new deal is likely to maintain Diomande’s current release clause, standing at €80m (£70m), with Sporting looking to issue a hands-off warning to suitors from the Premier League.
Diomande has been an instrumental part of Sporting’s domestic success in recent seasons, helping the Lisbon club win back-to-back Portuguese league titles in 2023/24 and 2024/25.
The Ivorian also lifted the Portuguese Cup earlier this year and was named in the Primeira Liga Team of the Year for a second consecutive season.
The ‘phenomenal’ 21-year-old has amassed 109 appearances for Sporting to date, scoring six goals, with 11 of the appearances coming in the Champions League.
GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Diomande has won nine caps for Ivory Coast following his debut call-up in September 2023.
Palace could be inclined to lose as many as two of their most important players in 2026, with Adam Wharton also being eyed by a host of Premier League clubs.
As GIVEMESPORT reported previously, the Eagles are looking to extend the midfielder’s contract to potentially fend off interest from rival sides, with Manchester United claimed to be among those monitoring the Englishman.
After going unbeaten in their first six games of the season, Palace have picked up just five points from their last five Premier League games. Oliver Glasner’s side next host winless Wolves on Saturday.
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