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Turkish powerhouse Galatasaray is reportedly targeting Sporting CP’s Ivorian centre-back Ousmane Diomande for a potential winter transfer as part of its efforts to reinforce the defence.
The 21-year-old Ivory Coast international, under contract with Sporting until June 2027, is among the most sought-after young defenders in Europe.
His current deal includes an €80 million ($92.67 million) release clause, a figure that has deterred potential buyers, including several English Premier League clubs, from pursuing him in recent months, according to Africa Foot.
The Turkish club, currently competing in both domestic and continental tournaments, is expected to focus on defensive reinforcements to maintain its competitive edge, the report suggested.
Sporting CP reportedly has no plans to sell Diomande at a discount. Sources familiar with the situation indicate that the Portuguese club would expect a minimum of €60 million to begin talks.
Diomande joined Sporting in January 2023 and has since become a cornerstone of the club’s defence. After recovering from injury earlier this season, during which he missed seven matches, he has returned to the starting lineup and made eight appearances across all competitions, demonstrating his usual strength, composure, and anticipation on the pitch.
According to data from football database Transfermarkt, Diomande currently holds a market value of approximately €45 million, making him the most valuable Ivorian footballer at present.
Capped nine times by the Ivory Coast national team and a member of the squad that won the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final against Galatasaray's Nigerian star Victor Osimhen, Diomande continues to draw attention for his physicality and tactical awareness at a young age.
Galatasaray also signed another Ivorian defender earlier in the season, Wilfried Singo from Monaco, for a €30 million fee — the club’s second most expensive transfer of the season after Victor Osimhen’s record €75 million move.
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