Ousmane Diomande to Nottingham Forest faces collapse as alternative signing close - verdict

Ousmane Diomande's big-money move to Nottingham Forest could be on the verge of collapse despite an exit appearing all but certain.

The 22-year-old centre-back is now training away from the rest of the Sporting CP squad, with all signs pointing towards a departure from Portugal.

However, since the news that Oliver Glasner's side were closing in on a move for him, the updates have gone quiet and concern has grown larger.

Evangelos Marinakis looked set to splash the cash, making Diomande the Reds' most expensive defender of all-time, but that may no longer be the case.

Forest's only signings so far have been Xaver Schlager, on a free transfer from RB Leipzig, and Gustavo Sa, who has joined Olympiacos on loan almost immediately.

Supporters are desperate for new signings at the City Ground, and given Glasner's desire to play three-at-the-back, so is the new manager.

Ousmane Diomande to the City Ground dead in the water

It would appear unlikely that any of Murillo, Nikola Milenkovic, Morato or Jair Cunha are leaving at this stage in the window, though the latter would be the favourite.

Glasner wants to bring new faces in, though, rather than replace ones already in the squad, but he might already be resigned to not signing Diomande.

According to Tutto Sport, Forest have submitted a €20million (£17.1m) offer for Bologna's Jhon Lucumi, with Juventus already seeing a €17m (£14.6m) bid rejected.

The Serie A club are understood to be waiting for €25m (£21.4m), with the player favouring the Old Lady, but Forest could still win the race for his signature.

If the Reds were to turn their full attention to the Colombian international, it would almost certainly signify the end of their quest to sign Diomande, sadly.

Who could still leave Nottingham Forest?

It would certainly be a surprise if Elliot Anderson were the only player to depart the club this summer, even after a disappointing 2025-26 Premier League campaign.

Igor Jesus and Arnaud Kalimuendo are both linked with moves, but Ibrahim Sangare has put a stop to his rumours by signing a new contract this summer.

As previously stated, Cunha could be one that leaves, being linked with a return to Brazil despite a standout few months under Vitor Pereira.

Neco Williams, of course, is attracting attention from multiple Premier League clubs. Still, everyone at the City Ground wants him to stay after winning Forest's Player of the Season last term.