Manchester United have been placed on high alert after learning that Sporting Lisbon's attempts to tie down prized defender Ousmane Diomande to a new contract have hit a significant roadblock.
Contract Impasse for Rising Star
According to reports from Portugal, negotiations between the Portuguese champions and the 21-year-old Ivorian centre-back have reached an impasse. Diomande, whose current deal expires in the summer of 2026, is viewed as a top priority for a renewal at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.
Sporting's hierarchy are understood to be desperate to secure his future until 2030 and are prepared to offer a substantial raise on his existing salary, reported to be around €400,000 (£350,000) per year. However, resistance from the player's camp has stalled any progress, casting major doubt over his long-term future in Lisbon.
Premier League Suitors Circling
This development has put several Premier League clubs on notice, with Manchester United and Newcastle United having tracked the defender for some time. Crystal Palace are also said to be 'very attentive' to the evolving situation.
Diomande has a hefty €80 million (£70 million) release clause embedded in his contract, a figure that would represent a major investment for any interested party. His pedigree, however, is not in question. In just his third full season with Sporting, he has already cemented a reputation as one of Europe's most promising young defenders.
His trophy cabinet includes a Primeira Liga title and a Portuguese Cup, earned last season where he made 31 league appearances. He has also been named in the Primeira Liga Team of the Year twice.
The Ruben Amorim Connection
A key subplot to this transfer saga is the Ruben Amorim connection. The highly-rated manager, now at Manchester United, was the man who brought Diomande to Sporting from FC Midtjylland in 2022 and gave him his professional breakthrough.
Their relationship is strong, and it is believed Diomande started to consider a move to Old Trafford after private conversations with his former boss last year. Amorim notably started the defender in his final home game for Sporting—a memorable 4-1 Champions League victory over Manchester City in November 2024.
With the contract stand-off showing no signs of resolution, the coming months could see a major battle for Diomande's signature, with Manchester United hoping their manager's prior relationship gives them a decisive edge.
