Nottingham Forest have completed the signing of Ousmane Diomande from Sporting in a deal worth around £34.3 million.
The 22-year-old centre-back has signed a four-year contract at the City Ground.
Diomande spent four seasons with Sporting, establishing himself as an important part of the Portuguese club’s two league wins in his time with them.
Glasner reunites with Diomande target
Nottingham Forest head coach Oliver Glasner was a driving force behind the club’s pursuit of Diomande, having previously tried to sign the defender during his time as Crystal Palace boss.
The move brings the highly rated centre-back to the Premier League after he played a key role in Sporting’s success and gained valuable experience in the Champions League.
Diomande has now joined a Forest side looking to establish consistency under new boss Glasner, with the club viewing his arrival as a significant addition to their defensive options.
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Diomande excited by Forest opportunity
The defender admitted he was delighted to begin the next stage of his career at the City Ground.
“I am very happy to be here. It is a historic club, and it motivates me to join such a club,” Diomande said, quoted on Sky Sports.
“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.”
Nottingham Forest hail defender’s winning mentality
Nottingham Forest chief football officer George Syrianos believes Diomande’s experience makes him an ideal addition despite his young age.
“He has fantastic experience for a defender of his age,” 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.”
The signing represents another significant investment by the club’s higher-ups as Glasner continues to shape his squad for his first Premier League campaign as Forest boss.
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