Diomande’s successor claims Benfica tried to sign him | OneFootball

Ousmane Diao admitted that Benfica tried to sign him. The center-back – who succeeded Ousmane Diomande at Mafra after the defender moved to Sporting in 2022/23 – was on the radar of the Eagles, but his representatives had already reached an agreement with Midtjylland.

"It was very rewarding to have played in Portugal. Clubs like Sporting and Benfica approached me, but my agent directed me to Midtjylland where negotiations were already advanced," the center-back said in statements to Footmercato.

Ousmane Diomande had a similar path. Loaned by Midtjylland to Mafra, the center-back stood out in Portugal and ended up being signed by Sporting, who, including bonuses and objectives, have already paid a total of €12.5M to the Danes.

This season, wearing the Midtjylland shirt, Ousmane Diao – valued at €7.5 million – has played a total of eight matches. Over the 567 minutes he has spent on the pitch, the defender who was on Benfica’s radar has scored two goals.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.