Newcastle United Are Eyeing A Move For This Gifted Defender: Decent Option For Howe? | OneFootball

In a recent report, Fichajes stated that Newcastle United are eyeing a move for Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande. It has been revealed that the Magpies are prepared to pay €80m to acquire the services of the Ivory Coast talent.

Diomande’s Decent Run Of Form In Portuguese Football

Diomande has experienced a solid campaign at Sporting after producing a series of impressive performances at the centre of their backline. The Ivory Coast defensive ace has found the back of the net four times and earned two assists in 42 matches for the Portuguese outfit this season on all fronts.

The 20-year-old has been a reliable performer inside his half based on his average of 1.5 tackles and 1.7 clearances per game in Liga Portugal. He has even been tidy when distributing the ball after making 91.2% of his attempted passes in the Portuguese top tier (stats via whoscored)

His current contract at Sporting will run out in the summer of 2027. Thus, Newcastle would have to launch a big offer if they are serious about signing Diomande this January.

TOPSHOT – Sporting’s Ivorian defender #26 Ousmane Diomande (L) vies with Moreirense’s Brazilian midfielder #11 Alanzinho (R) during the Portuguese League football match between Sporting CP and Moreirense FC at Alvalade stadium in Lisbon on September 17, 2023. (Photo by Patricia DE MELO MOREIRA / AFP)

Is Diomande A Decent Option For Newcastle United?

Diomande is a good tackler of the ball and can time his challenges well to earn the ball back inside his half. He doesn’t hesitate to clear the danger when the opposition are on the front foot and is a tidy passer of the ball as well.

The Ivory Coast defender can even use his powerful 1.90m to dominate the opposition attackers in the air. At the moment, he is playing some of his best football at Sporting. Thus, Diomande could prove to be an excellent option for the Magpies to consider this year.

The Sporting talent would add more bite and steel to Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe’s defence. At 20, he has the potential to become one of the best players in his position someday. Thus, it makes sense for Howe to try and get a deal done for Diomande this winter or at the end of this season. However, it remains to be seen whether the Ivorian centre-back can adapt to the high intensity of Premier League football if the Magpies manage to get him on board soon.