Sporting’s Diomande seals switch to Nottingham Forest

Syndicated reporting provided by Stats Perform and reviewed by the SoccerNews editorial team.

Oliver Glasner’s Nottingham Forest side continued to take shape on Tuesday after the club confirmed the signing of Ousmane Diomande from Sporting CP. 

Diomande has signed a four-year contract with Forest, becoming their third signing of the summer, and arrives for a reported £34m (€40m) transfer fee. 

The 22-year-old centre-back also featured at this summer’s World Cup for Ivory Coast, and arrives at the City Ground following three impressive years in Portugal. 

During his time in the Primeira Liga, Diomande made 87 league appearances for Sporting, helping the club win two top-flight titles and the Taca de Portugal in 2024-25. 

Since he joined the club in January 2023, Diomande ranks only behind Goncalo Inacio for successful passes (5,345), clearances (201) and aerial duels won (173) in the league. 

And Diomande now joins a Forest side preparing for their first campaign under Glasner following the shock departure of Vitor Pereira, who helped them retain their Premier League status in 2025-26. 

“I am very happy to be here. It is a historic club, and it motivates me to join such a club,” Diomande told Forest’s website. 

“I believe we can achieve very good things this season, and I am looking forward to meeting the players and head coach.

“I will give my best and all I can to help the team. I cannot wait to meet the supporters at the City Ground, and together we can have a good season.”

Welcome to Nottingham Forest, Ousmane Diomande!

— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) August 11, 2026

Diomande provides another solid option for Glasner, who was renowned for operating a back three during his successful stint with Crystal Palace. 

Forest conceded 51 goals in the Premier League last season, having let in 46 the campaign before, when they secured a spot in the Europa League under Nuno Espirito Santo. 

The likes of Nikola Milenkovic, Murillo, Jair Cunha and Morato are already at the club, and Diomande will provide competition for a starting spot under Glasner next season. 

Diomande made one appearance at this summer’s World Cup, helping the Ivory Coast reach the last 32 before they were beaten 2-1 by Norway. 

“He has fantastic experience for a defender of his age,” Forest chief George Syrianos said.

“Playing a crucial role in title-winning teams and going into the latter stages of the Champions League puts him in a great position to integrate well here at Forest.

“Ousmane is a powerful, commanding defender, and arrives here with a winning mentality. He shares the same ambition for success we have, and we are excited to see the impact he can have in a Forest shirt.”

General Soccer News

PSG defender Pacho credits Luis Enrique for recent success

General Soccer News

Cash: Aston Villa want to finish off work from last season in Super Cup

General Soccer News

‘I feel much, much better’ – Gyokeres ready for second Arsenal campaign

General Soccer News

‘We played beautifully’ – Kovac sees Arsenal win as a sign of progress for Dortmund

General Soccer News

Guimaraes signing can take Arsenal to the next level, believes Arteta

General Soccer News

Iraola: Work to do for Liverpool after ‘a lot of negatives’ against Monaco

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By using our website you agree to our use of cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.