Report: Crystal Palace to re-join the race to sign potential Marc Guehi replacement | OneFootball

Palace Interest Meets Alvalade Resistance

Rising Tension Around Potential Moves

Sporting, chasing a third consecutive league crown, are determined to keep their entire core intact for the title run. For Palace, who retain long standing admiration for Sporting’s defensive talent, there is an unmistakable sense of opportunity meeting an immovable object.

The Portuguese outlet states clearly: “Hjulmand does not leave, Diomande to be protected and Trincão non negotiable.” Another line captures the club’s stance with equal force: “The objective is not to let anyone leave.”

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For Premier League recruiters, this is the equivalent of an airport runway shutting minutes before take off. Palace, who were prepared to move decisively in the summer, are again named as keen observers. According to A Bola, “in the summer Crystal Palace had 55 million euros reserved to buy the Ivorian but the deal did not advance.” It is reported that an attempted winter move could still occur, although Sporting intend to block it.

Sporting’s Financial Strength

What makes this situation fascinating from a Palace perspective is the shift in Sporting’s financial power. A Bola detail how departures in previous years were driven by necessity, not strategy. They reference examples such as “Bruno Fernandes for 55 million euros” in 2020 and “Pedro Porro for a total of 45 million euros” in 2023. Those days, the article stresses, belong firmly to the past.

Now, as A Bola put it, “there is no urgency for immediate financial income”, with the club prioritising Champions League qualification money ahead of any winter sales. This reinforces why players such as Hjulmand or Diomande are effectively off limits until the summer.

The report adds further detail on Diomande’s situation, noting that the defender has a contract until 2027 and that Sporting will only entertain discussions close to his 80 million euro release clause. A Bola emphasised: “the club want to renew his contract and keep him through the title fight.”

Palace’s Long Standing Interest

For Palace, this is a familiar problem and a familiar player. Diomande’s blend of recovery pace, anticipation and technical comfort fits the modern Premier League defender template. Interest that began long before the summer has not gone away.

Palace’s recruitment strategy has been progressively bold, moving from opportunistic acquisitions to targeted, high ceiling profiles. Diomande is precisely the type of player they envision as part of the next phase. What A Bola’s reporting suggests, however, is that January is unlikely to produce an opening.

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Sporting’s Internal Plans

Alongside their defensive priorities, Sporting also view their attacking options as protected assets. The article stresses, “Trincão is untouchable”, with plans to extend his deal to 2030 and elevate him to a symbolic leadership role after Hjulmand eventually departs in 2026.

Yet there is a quieter subplot that could matter to Palace. Sporting expect to be active in the market themselves, describing winger reinforcement as essential and centre back cover necessary due to Diomande’s AFCON involvement. Should Sporting find adequate replacements early, there is a non zero chance of softening around outgoing deals, though A Bola’s tone suggests that possibility remains slim.

Outlook For Palace

While January may not deliver the breakthrough fans crave, the long arc of this story is not finished. Sporting’s resistance now could lead to a more nuanced landscape in the summer, particularly if clauses, timelines and agreements align. For a club like Palace, who increasingly view recruitment as a multi window chess match, this report sharpens both patience and ambition.

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For Palace supporters, this report feels like another reminder of what could have been and what still might be. Diomande has been on the radar for months, arguably years, and many fans still regard him as one of the best fits the club could possibly identify. The idea that Palace had 55 million euros ready in the summer only reinforces that this was not just a scouting flirtation but a serious strategic move.

The frustration here comes not from Sporting’s stance but from the timing. Fans understand why Sporting want to protect their title bid and it is difficult to argue against their logic. Yet the admiration for Diomande is rooted in what he would bring to Selhurst Park immediately, especially in a back line that has shown potential but also moments of inconsistency. Supporters will read lines like “the central defender is to be retained and renewed” with a mixture of respect and disappointment.

There is also growing belief within the fanbase that Palace need to continue building in a proactive manner. The pursuit of players like Diomande signals a club thinking ambitiously rather than reflexively. Many supporters will feel this is exactly the type of profile the team must continue targeting, even if January looks like a brick wall.

In truth, the door may not be open this winter, but the long term optimism remains. Palace are showing intent, Sporting are showing resistance, and the summer window will likely become the real battleground.