Newcastle United Are Facing Tough Competition For This Talented Defender: Decent Fit For The Magpies? | OneFootball

In a recent report, The Telegraph claimed that Newcastle United are facing tough competition for Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande. It has been stated that the Magpies would have to compete with Chelsea and Crystal Palace in the race to land the Ivory Coast centre-back this summer.

Diomande’s Impressive Form In Portuguese Football

Diomande gave a good account of himself on the defensive third of the field for Sporting in the previous campaign. The Ivory Coast talent played in 46 matches for the Portuguese club last season, netting a couple of goals and grabbing one assist on all fronts.

The 21-year-old was a rock at the back as he made 36 tackles, 16 blocks and 32 interceptions in the Liga Portugal. He was even careful when distributing possession from inside his half after making 93.5% of his attempted passes in the Portuguese first division (stats via fbref.com).

His current contract at Sporting will run out in the summer of 2027. Hence, Newcastle would have to launch a convincing offer if they are serious about recruiting the gifted prospect this off-season.

LISBON, PORTUGAL – JULY 30: Ousmane Diomande of Sporting CP with Denis Suarez of Villarreal CF in action during the Cinco Violinos Trophy match between Sporting CP and Villarreal CF at Estadio Jose Alvalade on July 30, 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

Is Diomande A Decent Fit For Newcastle United?

Diomande is a good tackler of the ball and can scan the danger well to earn the ball back for his team inside his half. He usually clears the danger when the opposition are on the offensive and is even proficient at playing his way out from the back.

Standing at 1.90m, the Ivory Coast sensation can use his robust frame to win a few 50-50 aerial duels for his side. However, it remains to be seen whether he can handle the high intensity of the Premier League if the Magpies manage to land him in this summer transfer period.

Diomande would inject more bite and steel into Newcastle boss Eddie Howe’s defence in the long run. He is already good enough to compete for regular first-team football at St. James’ Park.

At 21, Diomande has got a promising future ahead of him and could become a world-class centre-back someday. Thus, he would be a great fit for the Tyneside club’s needs in the long run. However, Howe needs to be patient with his progress before he can unlock the best out of the gifted defender.