Now that Liverpool has lost interest in a dominating defender, Manchester United is planning to recruit him.
The Red Devils are rumored to have a busy summer transfer market. No matter who manages them—Sir Jim Ratcliffe has not yet chosen Erik ten Hag’s future—defense will be their first concern.
The rumor mill has generated yet another name, this time one who was on Liverpool’s radar until very recently, adding to the list of players connected with a transfer to Manchester United.
Ousmane Diomande’s status in relation to Liverpool and Manchester United
This summer, both Manchester United and Liverpool may benefit from signing a new center back.
Arne Slot’s squad is planning to let Joel Matip go when his contract expires, while Virgil van Dijk is also entering the last year of his contract with an unclear long-term future.
Even Paris Saint-Germain is interested in signing Ibrahima Konate if contract negotiations with Liverpool go through.
An update on the pursuit of a new central defender is detailed in the most recent edition of the Express.
Claiming that Manchester United are considering a bid to acquire Sporting Lisbon star Ousmane Diomande, the report states that Liverpool’s interest in Diomande has waned recent weeks.
One of Europe’s most promising young players is the Ivorian international. It’s possible that Manchester United will be his next stop if he departs Sporting.
Despite possessing a release clause of £68 million, Diomande might reportedly be available for far less. Sporting are aiming for £51 million, while a £35 million offer is also being examined, according to the article.
Even if Manchester United are’mulling over a proposal,’ the next stage of negotiations to sign Diomande won’t happen until the status of Ten Hag’s contract is clarified, according to the Express.
Before their Liga Portugal Bwin match at Estadio Municipal de Famalic, Ousmane Diomande of Sporting CP makes a gesture.
Getty Images/Photo by Diogo Cardoso
Manchester United’s style of play is ideal for Diomande.
During the next summer transfer window, Manchester United must accomplish a great deal.
Even though they won the FA Cup, they had a terrible 2023–24 season and need to work on a number of things. As far as areas go, defense is perhaps the largest.
Diomande is a perfect fit for Manchester United, and they are correct to want him.
“Big and fast, a dominant defender in duels and solid in the air, calm and confident in possession, as well as remarkably two-footed on the ball,” says Scouted Notebook of the Sporting Lisbon star.
That “he ticks the boxes of the extreme demands elite teams now place on their centre-backs” is something they say further.
Man Utd is in dire need of a powerful, quick, and dominating center defender who is also skilled with the ball and at ease using both feet. Diomande is that kind of player, and he’s just 20 years old, so he’ll only grow better with time.
Manchester United should jump at the chance to sign Diomande if he is available for a fee of approximately £35 million.
Read also: Man Utd willing to agree £68m asking fee, table tempting offer for signing – Report