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Newcastle United Eye Summer Swoop for Sporting Lisbon Defender Ousmane Diomande
Newcastle United are reportedly preparing a summer approach for highly-rated Sporting Lisbon centre-back Ousmane Diomande, according to a report from The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards. The Magpies are aiming to bolster their defensive ranks ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, and the Ivorian international has emerged as a key target.
Manager Eddie Howe is understood to be keen on reinforcing his backline, particularly after a season plagued by injuries and defensive inconsistencies. Diomande, just 21 years old, has caught the attention of several Premier League clubs thanks to a string of commanding performances in Portugal’s top flight. His strong physical presence, composure on the ball, and maturity beyond his years have led scouts to describe him as a “fantastic” young talent.
Newcastle have reportedly been monitoring Diomande closely throughout the past season, conducting regular scouting missions to assess his development at Sporting. The Lisbon-based club are believed to be demanding a hefty transfer fee in the region of €80 million (approximately £67 million), reflecting the centre-back’s importance and potential.
However, Newcastle are not the only English side with an eye on Diomande. Premier League rivals Chelsea and Crystal Palace are also understood to be tracking the young defender, which could spark a competitive bidding war in the coming weeks. Despite the stiff competition, Newcastle are expected to be serious contenders, with the club determined to secure top-level reinforcements as they look to build a squad capable of challenging for European football.
The Magpies’ interest in Diomande comes after last summer’s unsuccessful pursuit of Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi. Newcastle reportedly made four separate bids for the England international, all of which were turned down by Palace. Guehi, under contract at Selhurst Park until 2026, remains on Newcastle’s radar, but any move would likely depend on Palace’s willingness to negotiate — particularly as the defender approaches the final year of his deal.
Diomande, who joined Sporting in January 2023 from Danish outfit FC Midtjylland, has quickly established himself as one of the brightest young defenders in Europe. He still has two years remaining on his current contract, and Sporting are in a strong position to negotiate a substantial transfer fee should they decide to sell.
While Newcastle are actively pursuing defensive reinforcements, their immediate transfer priorities appear to be focused further up the pitch. The club is currently targeting attacking options, with Brighton forward João Pedro and Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga among those being considered. Talks with Brighton over a potential move for Pedro are expected to begin soon, while Elanga remains under close observation following interest dating back to the end of last summer’s transfer window.
As the summer transfer window unfolds, Newcastle’s recruitment team will be working diligently to strike a balance between defensive stability and attacking firepower. With Ousmane Diomande firmly on their radar, the Magpies could be poised to make a significant statement in the market — provided they can outmaneuver their Premier League rivals and meet Sporting’s valuation.