Liverpool Are Eyeing A January Move For This Talented Defender: Should Slot Move In For Him? | OneFootball

In a recent report, Fichajes claimed that Liverpool are eyeing a January move for Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande. It has been stated that the Reds are eager to get a deal done for the Ivory Coast talent in this winter transfer window.

Diomande’s Impressive Form In Portuguese Football

Diomande had a solid campaign at the Portuguese club as he put in a string of impressive displays for them on the defensive end of the field. The Ivory Coast defender scored two goals and picked up one assist in 46 appearances for Sporting CP last season across various competitions.

The 21-year-old was a rock at the back and did well to make 36 tackles, 16 blocks, 32 interceptions and 83 clearances in Liga Portugal. He has even been tidy when distributing the ball from inside his half after completing 87.8% of his attempted passes in the Portuguese top tier (stats via fbref.com).

His current contract at the Portuguese club will run out in the summer of 2027. Thus, it won’t be easy for Liverpool to snap him up on the cheap next year.

FARO, PORTUGAL – JULY 31: Ousmane Diomande of Sporting CP in action during warm up before the start of the Portuguese Super Cup match between Sporting CP and SL Benfica at Estadio Algarve on July 31, 2025 in Faro, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

Should Liverpool Boss Arne Slot Move In For Diomande?

Diomande is a good tackler of the ball and can time his challenges well to earn the ball back for his side on the defensive end of the field. He usually clears his lines when the opposition are on the offensive.

The Ivory Coast talent can use his strong 1.90m frame to dominate the opposition attackers in the air. However, there are some question marks over whether he can cope with the high intensity of the Premier League if the Reds manage to sign him next year.

We can expect Diomande to add more bite and steel to Liverpool head coach Arne Slot’s defence. He has what it takes to compete for a regular starting place at the Merseyside club. Furthermore, the Ivory Coast defender would serve as an ideal replacement for Ibrahima Konate, who is currently on an expiring contract.

At 21, Diomande could prove himself to be a success story at Anfield in the long run. Therefore, Slot would be wise to move in for him when the transfer window reopens this January.