Nottingham Forest have confirmed the signing of Ivory Coast international Ousmane Diomande from Portuguese club Sporting.
The Premier League side are expected to pay approximately £34 million for the defender. Diomande has signed a four-year contract at the City Ground, with Forest holding the option to extend the agreement by another 12 months.
The deal represents an important addition to Forest’s defensive options as the club prepares for the new Premier League campaign.
Diomande Welcomes the Move
The 22-year-old centre-back said he was delighted to join Nottingham Forest and described the club as historic.
“I am very happy to be here,” Diomande said. “It is a historic club, and it motivates me to join such a club.”
The Ivory Coast defender also expressed confidence that Forest can achieve important results during the upcoming season. He added that he was eager to meet his new teammates and work with head coach Oliver Glasner.
“I believe we can achieve very good things this season and I am looking forward to meeting the players and the head coach. I will give my best.”
Successful Spell at Sporting
Diomande leaves Sporting after establishing himself as one of the club’s key defenders.
Since joining the Lisbon side, he made 132 first-team appearances in all competitions. During his time in Portugal, he developed into a highly regarded centre-back and gained experience in domestic and European competition.
His performances also earned him a regular place in the Ivory Coast national team. Diomande has won 15 international caps and represented his country at the 2026 World Cup.
Glasner Wanted the Defender
Forest’s interest in Diomande was strongly connected with Oliver Glasner. The manager had previously admired the defender during his time in charge of Crystal Palace and was reportedly keen to work with him again.
Glasner views Diomande as a player capable of improving Forest’s defensive structure. His strength, pace and ability to play out from the back are expected to make him an important part of the manager’s plans.
The signing also reflects Forest’s intention to recruit young players with significant development potential. Diomande is still only 22, but he already has considerable experience at club and international level.
A Major Investment for Forest
The reported £34 million fee makes Diomande one of Nottingham Forest’s most significant signings of the transfer window.
Forest had been negotiating with Sporting for several weeks before the agreement was finalised. Earlier reports suggested that the Portuguese club wanted a fixed fee of around €40 million, with the payment structure becoming one of the main issues during the talks.
The final agreement allows Forest to secure a defender who had attracted attention from several prominent European clubs.
What Diomande Can Bring
Diomande is known for his physical strength, defensive awareness and composure when building attacks from the back. His experience in Portugal has also helped him develop the tactical discipline required to compete at a high level.
At Forest, he will face the challenge of adapting to the intensity and pace of Premier League football. The club will expect him to compete immediately for a starting position and help improve the team’s defensive record.
His arrival could also provide greater flexibility for Glasner, who will have another option when selecting a back three or back four.
Forest’s Ambitions
Nottingham Forest are hoping Diomande can become a long-term leader in their defence. The four-year contract, combined with the option for another season, gives the club time to develop the player and benefit from his experience.
For Diomande, the move to England represents the next stage of his career. After becoming an important player at Sporting and earning recognition with Ivory Coast, he now has the opportunity to test himself in the Premier League.
The defender has promised to give his best for the club. Forest supporters will now be waiting to see whether he can quickly adapt to English football and justify the substantial investment made in his signing.
