Nottingham Forest supporters are growing increasingly frustrated by the Ousmane Diomande transfer turning into a saga.
Signing the Sporting defender appeared imminent around two weeks ago. Since then, things have dragged on and stubbornness has creeped in on both sides.
Naturally, in Portugal they’ve put the blame on Evangelos Marinakis being the tough guy in negotiations. However, it’s fair to point out Sporting president Frederico Varandas also has a record of sticking to his guns.
Happening again for Oliver Glasner
Last summer, when in charge at Crystal Palace, Oliver Glasner shared his frustrations over the club not working early in the market. The same had happened the summer before, and the manager blamed that for the slow start.
At the end of July 2025, Glasner said:
“Even though all the players are still here, we haven’t made the most of the transfer window so far. I was promised that we would be more active and bring in the new players earlier this year.
“As of now, I have 17 outfield players! I hope we don’t lose any more. If that happens and we get four new ones on deadline day like last year, another false start is possible.”
Diomande wanted by end of the week
Portuguese newspaper Record report Nottingham Forest want Ousmane Diomande by the end of this week. However, the two negotiating parties are stuck to their stances.
Sporting want €40m guaranteed. plus €5m in potential bonus payments.
As it stands, Record state Nottingham Forest are at €38m guaranteed plus €4m in potential bonuses.
Record also say the 21-year-old’s exit is ‘an imminent process’, although there’s no reason given for that confidence.
That’s all there really is so far in Portugal today. The crux of the issue is that Nottingham Forest want to pay €38+4m, whereas Sporting are holding out for €40+5m.
