Nottingham Forest are on the verge of completing one of their biggest signings of the summer after agreeing a deal worth around £34 million for Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande, handing Oliver Glasner a player he has admired for years.
The Ivory Coast international is now expected to become Forest’s latest marquee addition as the club continues an ambitious rebuild ahead of the new Premier League campaign. After weeks of negotiations and speculation, the transfer is finally approaching completion, with all major details reportedly agreed between the two clubs.
For Glasner, this is more than just another signing—it is one he believes could transform the heart of his defence.
The Austrian coach has been searching for a dominant centre-back capable of leading his preferred three-man defensive system, and Diomande fits that profile perfectly. At just 22 years of age, the highly-rated defender already boasts experience that many players can only dream of.
Despite his young age, Diomande has already made close to 150 senior appearances, establishing himself as one of the standout defenders in Portuguese football. His rapid development has also earned him regular opportunities with the Ivory Coast national team, where he has collected 16 international caps and helped his country lift the Africa Cup of Nations.
That combination of youth, experience and winning mentality makes him one of the most exciting defensive talents available this summer.
Forest’s recruitment team have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to secure the deal, knowing competition for the defender’s signature was intense. Several European clubs monitored his situation over recent months, but the Reds have ultimately won the race by presenting a clear sporting project under Glasner.
The Forest boss is expected to build his side around an aggressive back-three formation, and Diomande’s versatility makes him an ideal fit.
Unlike many traditional centre-backs, the Sporting star is comfortable operating in multiple defensive systems. Whether deployed in a back four or as part of a three-man defence, he possesses the tactical intelligence and technical quality required to adapt seamlessly.
His physical attributes are equally impressive.
Powerful in one-on-one duels, dominant in the air and blessed with outstanding recovery pace, Diomande has built a reputation as one of the Primeira Liga’s most complete defenders. He consistently ranks among the league’s best performers for successful tackles while remaining composed when building attacks from deep.
Modern defenders are expected to do far more than simply stop opponents, and Diomande excels with the ball at his feet.
His ability to progress possession, break opposition pressing lines and launch attacks from defence perfectly matches Glasner’s football philosophy. Forest want defenders capable of initiating attacks rather than simply clearing danger, making Diomande an ideal tactical addition.
The arrival also creates fierce competition throughout Forest’s defensive unit.
Nikola Milenkovic, Murillo, Jair Cunha and Morato have all impressed at different stages, but Glasner has made it clear he wants genuine competition in every position if Forest are to challenge higher up the Premier League table.
Adding Diomande significantly strengthens that ambition.
The defender also arrives with valuable experience of winning major honours.
During his spell at Sporting, he helped the Portuguese giants secure two league titles while regularly competing in European football against elite opposition. Those experiences should prove invaluable as Forest continue building a squad capable of competing consistently at the highest level.
For Sporting, losing one of their defensive leaders represents a major setback, but Forest believe they are acquiring a player whose best years remain ahead of him.
At just 22, Diomande still has enormous room for development under Glasner’s guidance.
The transfer also highlights Nottingham Forest’s growing reputation in the market.
Since returning to the Premier League, the club have shown increasing ambition by targeting elite young talent rather than short-term solutions. Investments like Diomande demonstrate a long-term strategy built around players who can improve immediately while increasing their value over time.
Supporters now have every reason to be excited.
If Diomande adapts quickly to English football, Forest may have secured one of the standout defensive signings of the entire summer transfer window. His athleticism, composure, leadership qualities and winning experience give him all the tools required to become a cornerstone of Glasner’s project.
With the deal now entering its final stages, Nottingham Forest appear ready to unveil a defender many believe has the potential to develop into one of the Premier League’s finest centre-backs.
For Glasner and Forest, landing Ousmane Diomande is more than a major transfer victory—it is a statement that the club intends to compete with England’s best and continue its remarkable rise.
