Ousmane Diomande set to leave? AFCON may have sparked trouble for Sporting | OneFootball

The participation of Sporting players in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations ended differently for Ousmane Diomande and Geny Catamo, but left a common point for both athletes. Both now return to Alvalade after a competition that served as a stage for international exposure, at a time when the CAN continues without representatives from the squad led by Rui Borges.

Both the winger and the central defender are attracting the attention of several European clubs, who are closely monitoring their situation at Sporting. This interest could be rekindled during this transfer window, depending on movements in other squads, or postponed until the end of the season, when the summer transfer market reopens.

The situation of Ousmane Diomande is more sensitive, especially due to the scenario unfolding in England. Crystal Palace remains attentive to the Ivorian central defender, and a potential departure of Marc Guéhi, who is being followed by clubs like Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal, could trigger a series of market operations. In this context, the London club sees the 'number 26' as a viable option to strengthen the defensive axis.

Given this scenario, Sporting seeks to ensure the 22-year-old defender's stay until the end of the season. Nevertheless, Diomande's sporting development, combined with a possible presence in the Champions League round of 16, could increase his international projection and generate renewed interest next summer, opening the door to a significant financial gain for the lions.

In the current 2025/26 sports season, Ousmane Diomande – valued at 45 million euros – played 12 matches for Sporting: six in the Liga Portugal Betclic, four in the Champions League, one in the Portuguese Cup, and another in the Super Cup. In total, the central defender has accumulated 947 minutes.

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