Manchester United will have to splurge €50-60 million for Sporting Lisbon defender, Ousmane Diomande. United’s backline has been calamitous throughout the campaign.
The Red Devils secured their worst ever, 8th place finish in the Premier League with 60 points. Moreover, the defense was an absolute horror show to watch. The Devils conceded 58 goals throughout the league season and ended the campaign with a -1 goal difference.
Who is Ousmane Diomande?
Diomande is a 20-year old center back currently playing for Ruben Amorim’s Sporting. Diomande began his senior professional career with Midtjylland in 2022. Following his graduation from Midtjylland’s academy, Mafra signed Diomande on a season long loan deal.
The Ivorian caught eye due to his spectacular performances at Mafra. Followingly, after making merely 17 appearances, Diomande’s loan deal was cut short as he was bought by Sporting in January 2023.
Sporting bought Diomande for €7.5 million with add-ons up to €12.5 million in 2023. Moreover, Diomande has a release clause of €80 million in his contract. The Ivorian earned his first national cap in December 2023. Diomande received a call-up for the African Cup of Nations 2023.
The center back ended up on the winning side as Ivory Coast beat Nigeria in the 2023 AFCON final. Moreover, the 20-year old was vital in Sporting’s league triumph under Ruben Amorim in this season. Sporting won the Liga Portugal with 90 points, finishing 10 points ahead of Benfica.
Diomande has already made 71 appearances in his club career and has been impressive at the back for his team.
Why do United want Diomande?
The Red Devils witnessed a plethora of absentees at the back. Casemiro and Sofyan Amrabat were starting in at defense for Ten Hag at one point. More than 65 separate cases of injury/illness left the Red Devils in a tough spot the entire season.
The likes of Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Jonny Evans and Raphael Varane were out of action most of the time. Ten Hag never had the chance to field his best XI. Moreover, Varane has already confirmed his departure as free agent.
United want to reinforce their backline and consider Jarrad Branthwaite, Jean Clair-Todibo, Tosin Adarabioyo and Ronald Araujo as potential targets.
Manchester United will have to battle for Ousmane Diomande!
Despite having a release clause of €80 million, Sporting have made Diomande available for €50-60 million on the market. Additionally, the 20-year old has drawn attention of Premier League clubs other than the Red Devils.
Alongside United, Chelsea and Newcastle are said to be interested in securing a move for Diomande. Chelsea are looking to replace veteran Thiago Silva at the back. Additionally, latest reports suggest that the Blues are close to signing Tosin Adarabioyo under Enzo Maresca.
Moreover, Eddie Howe’s Newcastle want a younger alternative to back Fabian Schar and Sven Botman at the center. All three clubs were in the race for Adarabioyo too and Chelsea will be getting the better end of it.
However, Newcastle and Manchester United will be pushing hard to secure a move for Ousmane Diomande.
Is Diomande a good option for United?
When compared to Jarrad Branthwaite, Diomande is a cheaper option and also a year younger. Jean Clair-Todibo could be a great alternative for the Red Devils.
However, Branthwaite and Diomande are much younger than Todibo and would fit into INEOS’ vision of signing young players. Meanwhile, Adarabioyo is close to putting pen-on-paper for Chelsea. Moreover, pricing away a crucial player like Ronald Araujo from FC Barcelona won’t be simple.
Given the circumstances, Diomande could be the right option for Manchester United. The Red Devils will be considering the Ivorian as an alternative at the back.
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