Transfer to Crystal Palace ‘almost happened’ – Eagles can seal deal in summer

Crystal Palace really came very close to signing Ousmane Diomande last summer, and the move could be revived in the upcoming window.

Portuguese newspaper A Bola reports the Premier League club had a €55m (£47m) proposal prepared for the defender during the previous market. The deal ultimately did not materialise, yet the interest remains active.

Diomande, 22, recently signed a new contract with Sporting CP until 2030. His release clause stayed at €80m (£69m). However, the renewal came with an important understanding behind the scenes.

According to the report, Sporting are willing to analyse offers between €40m and €50m (£34m-£43m) this summer. That range effectively defines the negotiation zone for interested clubs.

Crystal Palace already know the player well. They have been tracking him for some time.

Potugal says Crystal Palace were close

A BOLA explain that Crystal Palace had Diomande firmly on their shortlist last summer. The London club were ready to submit a €55m (£47m) offer to Sporting.

Despite the advanced interest, the move stalled before it reached a formal stage. The newspaper does not detail the exact reasons, but the defender stayed in Lisbon and continued as a key part of Sporting’s squad.

Palace have not lost interest. The club continue to monitor the centre-back closely and view him as a player with significant long-term upside.

At 22, Diomande already carries a strong reputation in Portugal. He combines physical strength with pace and confidence on the ball. Those traits have helped him become one of the league’s most highly rated defenders.

Other Premier League clubs also follow him, including Newcastle United. Still, Palace appear to have come closest to completing the transfer.

Our take: summer window could reopen the door

Sporting seem prepared for important sales in the next market. Portuguese clubs regularly rely on transfer income, and Diomande is one of their most valuable assets.

The Lisbon side initially signed him from FC Midtjylland in 2023 after a loan spell at CD Mafra. The deal started at €7.5m (£6.4m) and rose to roughly €14.5m (£12.4m) with bonuses.

Therefore, a transfer in the €40m-€50m range would represent a huge profit.

For Crystal Palace, the key point is timing. A move ‘almost happened’ last summer. Now the valuation is clearer and Sporting appear open to negotiation.

If the Eagles return with a serious offer, the deal that nearly happened once could finally be completed.