£32m bid signals Forest’s defensive overhaul with Diomande

Nottingham Forest have identified a gap in their rearguard and see 22‑year‑old Ousmane Diomande as the solution, prompting a £32 million bid that reflects the club’s ambition under new manager Oliver Glasner. The Tricky Trees aim to slot the Ivory Coast centre‑back into a three‑man defence as the Premier League season approaches.

The £32 million offer for Sporting Lisbon defender Ousmane Diomande was reported by the Telegraph as the Premier League side intensifies its pre‑season activity. The bid demonstrates Forest’s willingness to invest heavily in a defensive overhaul.

Forest are in advanced negotiations with Sporting during their training camp in Portugal, hoping to complete the deal before the new season begins. The club’s representatives are working from their Algarve base to finalise the transfer.

The Tricky Trees are also close to securing Austria international Xaver Schlager, a former RB Leipzig midfielder. Schlager is expected to travel to the Algarve base for a medical and sign a two‑year contract as a free agent within the next 48 hours.

New head coach Oliver Glasner has made strengthening the back line a priority since his appointment. He plans to implement a three‑man defence at the City Ground, with Diomande identified as the ideal right‑hand centre‑back in that system.

Forest have monitored Diomande for more than a year and now believe the timing is right to act. Sporting are understood to value the defender between £30 million and £35 million, and talks between the clubs are progressing positively.

The Ivory Coast international, aged 22, shares a dressing‑room with Forest’s Ibrahim Sangare at international level. He is regarded as one of the most exciting young defenders in Europe, combining physical dominance, composure on the ball and top‑level experience.

Interest also remains from Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Lucas Bergvall, while negotiations continue over new contracts for Neco Williams and Sangare. Europe’s elite clubs, including Chelsea, Arsenal and Paris Saint‑Germain, have tracked Diomande for several seasons. Securing Diomande would be one of Forest’s standout signings in recent history and would underline the club’s ambition under Glasner.