Newcastle United would have faced stiff competition for Ousmane Diomand in January.
Sporting Lisbon defender Ousmane Diomande has been quoted a fee of around £58 million by Newcastle United.
Sporting Lisbon’s 19-year-old midfielder left FC Midtjylland in January for around €7.5 million, but his performances in Portugal have helped his new club maintain a title challenge with Benfica. Sporting have not won the league title since 2002, and Diomande has been instrumental in their top-of-the-table push.
Newcastle, Arsenal, and Manchester City, according to sources close to Diomande’s agent, are all “candidates” to sign the 6ft 3in centre-back, who could increase competition in the heart of defense and cover for the injured Sven Botman. According to Tipsbladet, FC Midtjylland learned of Newcastle’s interest because they would be entitled to 20% of the profits if the teenager was sold to the Magpies.
Diomande joined FC Midtjylland from OS Abobo in January 2022 and quickly rose to first-team prominence after a loan spell with Mafra in Portigal’s lower leagues. His rise, like his valuation, has been rapid, but Newcastle has demonstrated that they are willing to leave the room if agents or clubs demand outrageous fees.
Due to Botman’s uncertain injury status, Newcastle are keeping an eye on the centre-back position, with Lille’s Tiago Djaló also thought to be on the Toon shortlist. A striker has also been mentioned, but with Alexander Isak nearing fitness and Callum Wilson set to return for the second half of the season, it remains to be seen whether Newcastle invest in a forward.
Eddie Howe will have more options with the return of Elliot Anderson and Harvey Barnes. Toon sources told Chronicle Live that “things could change again” before January.
