Forest add young centre-back as Glasner builds squad
Nottingham Forest have announced the signing of 22-year-old centre-back Ousmane Diomande from Sporting CP, the club confirming the Ivory Coast international has put pen to paper on a four-year contract.
The transfer, reported at a fee of around £34 million (€40m), is Forest's third confirmed addition of the summer as manager Oliver Glasner continues to reshape the squad ahead of the new Premier League season.
Diomande arrives at the City Ground after three seasons in Portugal where he made a sustained impression in the Primeira Liga. During his time at Sporting he featured regularly, contributing to two league title wins and the Taça de Portugal victory in 2024-25, and earning a place in Ivory Coast's squad at this summer's World Cup.
"I am very happy to be here. It is a historic club, and it motivates me to join such a club," Diomande said on 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."
Forest's recruitment follows the departure of Vítor Pereira and the appointment of Glasner, whose preferred formations often include a back three. Diomande's arrival increases competition in central defence alongside established names at the club.
What Diomande brings to Nottingham
Statistics from Diomande's period at Sporting underline why Forest have invested substantially. Since joining Sporting in January 2023 he ranks behind only team-mate Gonçalo Inácio in several defensive metrics in the Primeira Liga:
- 5,345 successful passes (league ranking since Jan 2023)
- 201 clearances
- 173 aerial duels won
Those figures point to a defender comfortable both with the ball at his feet and in traditional defensive duties — attributes that suit Glasner's tactical approach and should help Forest address goals conceded in recent seasons. Forest allowed 51 goals in the Premier League last season, up from 46 the previous campaign.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Player | Ousmane Diomande |
| Age | 22 |
| Position | Centre-back |
| From | Sporting CP |
| Contract length | 4 years |
| Reported fee | £34m (≈€40m) |
Local impact and expectations
For Nottingham supporters, the arrival of Diomande is likely to be greeted with cautious optimism. The City Ground crowd will expect new signings to strengthen the starting XI and offer depth across a demanding campaign that will include Premier League fixtures and potentially European competition, given Forest's recent league finishes.
Competition for places at centre-back has increased: alongside Diomande the squad features players such as Nikola Milenković, Murillo, Jair Cunha and Morato. Glasner must now balance rotation, injuries and form while establishing his preferred defensive partnership.
At a club level, the signing represents a significant outlay and a statement of intent. The fee reflects the market for young, top-flight defenders with international experience, and highlights Forest's ambition to consolidate and progress under Glasner's leadership.
Supporters will watch closely as Diomande integrates into training and prepares to make his debut at the City Ground. His adaptation to English football — in pace, physicality and the tactical demands of the Premier League — will be a key talking point for fans and local media in the weeks ahead.
For now, Nottingham Forest have secured a promising young defender with a winning pedigree in Portugal and international exposure at the World Cup. How quickly he becomes a fixture in the first team will shape expectations in Nottingham for the season to come.
This is a developing transfer; further details may follow as the club publishes additional information.
