Crystal Palace are once again linked with Ousmane Diomande, as Portuguese outlet A BOLA reports that the Sporting defender is back on the English club’s radar.
Earlier this week, the same newspaper had already suggested that Crystal Palace could revisit their summer attempt, with it said they set aside €55m for the centre-back. The interest has not disappeared.
Sporting, meanwhile, remain firm. The club are working on a contract renewal for Diomande, extending his deal from 2027 to 2030, and they see him as a central figure for the rest of the season.
His €80m release clause applies only in the summer, so any January approach would depend entirely on Sporting’s willingness to negotiate. For now, they do not intend to sell.
The report also highlights a twist from the Ivory Coast. Diomande has been criticised for failing to take his chances with the national team, and any subsequent drama could leave him out of the Africa Cup of Nations. For Sporting, that scenario would be positive, as it would prevent a long absence in a decisive period of the season.
Even after missing more than two months through injury earlier in the campaign, Diomande returned in mid-October and quickly re-established himself, drawing new attention from England.
Sporting’s total investment in him has reached €14.5m after bonuses and adjustments, and the club view him as a clear success.
Crystal Palace may consider a renewed effort in January, but the message from Portugal remains unchanged. Sporting want to keep their key defender and only revisit major decisions in the summer, meaning the Eagles may need patience before trying again.
