Liverpool eyeing move for Ousmane Diomande | OneFootball

Liverpool have been linked with a move for Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande (h/t DAVEOCKOP).

They are preparing for the potential departure of Ibrahima Konate, who has refused to sign a new deal.

The Reds have also lost Giovanni Leoni to a long-term injury, while Joe Gomez is expected to leave this summer.

Virgil Van Dijk’s powers are also waning, and the Reds must consider bringing in a long-term successor.

Liverpool is pondering a move for Diomande, who has established himself as one of the best young defenders around.

The centre-half has been an ever-present in Sporting’s backline, impressing with his aggression, reading of the game and prowess on the ball.

He initially played in Ruben Amorim’s three-at-the-back set-up, but has adeptly adapted to playing in a centre-half pairing, showing his versatility.

A muscle injury has caused him to miss a chunk of the season, but he has helped keep two clean sheets in three league games, winning 67 percent of his aerial and 45% of his ground duels.

However, Liverpool would be better served sticking with more proven, battle-tested defenders who can immediately raise the team’s defensive standards.

Diomande is talented, but his inexperience in a top-five league makes him a risky option for a club that needs leadership and composure at the back.