Leeds United are preparing to make a significant investment to sign Sporting’s Ousmane Diomande this summer.
The Premier League side have identified him as their main target to improve their back line ahead of next season.
Two days ago, we relayed news that Leeds United want to quickly finalise the deal for the centre-back.
The Ivory Coast international prioritises a move to the Premier League.
On Tuesday, Sport Witness covered claims from Portugal that the Whites face competition from Chelsea, Arsenal and AFC Bournemouth. The latter three have been keeping an eye on him recently.
Leeds United’s big plan for Diomande
Wednesday’s edition of A Bola relays claims made elsewhere about Leeds United and then provides their own updates.
There were already claims of Chelsea, Arsenal, AFC Bournemouth, Crystal Palace and Newcastle United interest in Ousmane Diomande.
The newspaper relays that and then focusses on the Elland Road club, who have entered the race.
Daniel Farke’s side are ‘truly willing to go to extremes’ to sign the 22-year-old. A Bola now state they are ready to present the ‘biggest offer ever made for a player’.
Georginio Rutter is Leeds United’s current record signing and cost €40.5m in January 2023.
They want to break this record by offering a deal that could reach the €50m mark for the Sporting defender. That would be with bonuses included.
The Portuguese club need this figure to sit at the negotiating table, and it looks like Leeds United are ready to match it.
The operation won’t be easy considering the player is now with the national team for the World Cup.
He has an €80m release clause and Sporting could ask for more than €50m if Diomande were to impress at the World Cup.
Contract, value and agent info
In January, Ousmane Diomande signed a new contract with the Lions until 2031 and his value, as per Transfermarkt, is now €42m.
Agency Roof, who also manage Leeds United’s Anton Stach, are representing the Sporting star.
