Leeds United Target Ousmane Diomande in £43m Deal

Leeds United are preparing to bid up to £43m for Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande. The offer would be the club’s biggest spend since the £36m Georginio Rutter deal. Ousmane Diomande is a 22-year-old Ivory Coast international. He signed a four-and-a-half-year extension in January that set his release clause at £69m (€80m). Sporting CP acquired him from Midtjylland for around £11m three-and-a-half years ago. Leeds United’s current transfer record stands at about £36m paid to Hoffenheim for Georginio Rutter. Leeds are said to be ready to offer £35m with an additional £8m in add‑ons, reaching a total of £43m. The £43m figure would match the amount needed to bring Sporting CP to the negotiating table. Arsenal, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Manchester United and Newcastle United have all been linked with Diomande. Leeds have already added Jaka Bijol and Sebastiaan Bornauw to their defence after promotion. Bornauw featured in only 14 matches last season, leaving Leeds seeking a more commanding centre‑back. Sporting CP are not under immediate pressure to sell, with the contract extension strengthening their position. However, the club may listen to proposals around €50m if the deal structure is attractive. Diomande would provide Leeds with a defensive cornerstone and potential resale value if his development continues.