Leeds United have reached an agreement in principle with Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande, according to Portuguese journalist Christian Vaquero. The 22-year-old Ivory Coast international has reportedly given the green light to a move to Elland Road, with negotiations now entering their final stages.
Leeds finished 14th in the Premier League last season, a result considered a success for manager Daniel Farke, who is expected to be rewarded with a new contract. Farke has reportedly challenged the club’s board to back his ambitions of transforming Leeds into a team capable of challenging at the top end of the league.
To that end, the club is prioritizing quality additions this summer, targeting a new goalkeeper, a left-sided centre-half, cover at left wing-back, a new centre forward, and an attacking midfielder. Diomande has emerged as a key target to fill the left-sided centre-half position.
Leeds are prepared to offer a package worth €45m (£39m, $52m) for Diomande, which would surpass the current club record fee of £35.5m paid for Georginio Rutter in January 2023. The Mirror reports the offer could be structured with £35m upfront and a further £8m in add-ons. Sporting CP were initially seeking a minimum fee of €50m (£43.2m, $57.5m) for the player.
Diomande is a versatile defender, comfortable playing with either foot and in both a flat back four and a three-at-the-back system. He has been a regular feature for Sporting CP, and his arrival would significantly strengthen Leeds’ defensive options. Sources indicate that a move to Elland Road is a genuine possibility, despite initial skepticism surrounding the potential fee.
The club anticipates funding these investments through strategic player sales, with Pascal Struijk, who has one year remaining on his contract, a potential candidate to depart. Aston Villa and Newcastle United have both been linked with a move for the 26-year-old, who Leeds value between £20m and £25m.
