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Nottingham Forest‘s pursuit of Ousmane Diomande can only be revived by ‘a major turnaround’ after negotiations with Sporting Lisbon fell through.
Oliver Glasner has long admired the Ivorian and pushed to secure his signature last summer during his time at Crystal Palace.
The centre-back ultimately remained in Portugal, where he continued to occupy a prominent role in Sporting Lisbon’s defensive set-up.
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Leeds United were the first club to approach Diomande’s camp this summer in an attempt to explore a possible move, although striking an agreement with the Portuguese champions was always expected to prove a formidable challenge.
Nottingham Forest nevertheless pressed ahead in an attempt to fulfil Glasner’s desire to work with the defender.
The Tricky Trees successfully reached a verbal agreement with Diomande over a move to the City Ground, while efforts to broker a deal with Sporting Lisbon continued.
The Portuguese outfit were seeking €40m plus a further €5m in bonuses, in addition to a future sell-on percentage, before agreeing to sanction the defender’s departure.
Season
Position
2025-26
16th
2024–25
7th
2023–24
17th
2022–23
16th
2021–22
4th (Championship, promoted via playoffs)
Nottingham Forest’s last five league finishes
Nottingham Forest attempted to narrow the gap, but negotiations have now ‘fallen through’ after a ‘major disagreement’ between the clubs ultimately brought discussions to a halt.
According to Portuguese outlet Maisfutebol, ‘only a major turnaround’ would now revive Diomande’s chances of joining Nottingham Forest this summer.
That development will come as a significant setback for the Tricky Trees, with the Ivorian viewed as a major addition to their defensive unit.
Whether the deal can be revisited during the closing stages of the transfer window remains uncertain, although current indications suggest Forest would need to move considerably closer to Sporting Lisbon’s demands.
Due to his uncertain future, Diomande did not feature in Sporting Lisbon’s pre-season friendlies, although he could join the squad soon as things stand.
Another centre-back under consideration by Nottingham Forest is Jhon Lucumi, although the Colombian’s preferred destination is Juventus, potentially presenting the Tricky Trees with another obstacle in their search for defensive reinforcements.
