Bayern Munich and Arsenal join Liverpool in the race to sign Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande during the summer window
Liverpool have to fight Bayern Munich and Arsenal to secure Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande during the summer transfer window. Diomande has attracted many top European clubs due to his performances with Sporting CP during the course of this season.
The Portuguese side are one point ahead of Benfica in the Liga Portugal in a battle to secure the title. Diomande has played a key role as part of the back three in Ruben Amorim’s tactical deployment, playing at right.
Standing at 1.90 metres, the Ivory Coast international is a daunting presence in the backline and uses his physique well. The 20-year-old combines his strength with mature decision-making beyond his young age to dominate in the aerial and ground duels.
As part of the three-man defence for his Portuguese club, Diomande plays a crucial role in their possessional play. Amorim uses his defenders to start the buildup from the backline alongside the double-pivot of midfielders in the 3-4-3 formation.
Diomande boasts a high passing accuracy and comfort in distributing the ball while making himself available for passes. The 20-year-old is more risk-averse in passing compared to his teammates which include highly-rated defender Goncalo Inacio.
Portuguese sports news outlet O Jogo reported that Bayern and Arsenal have joined the race with Liverpool to sign Diomande. The report also mentioned numerous European clubs like Juventus, Newcastle United and Chelsea interested in the defender.
Diomande’s decision could determine whether he continues to play as a rotation or backup player for the national team. He needs to continue to gain regular first-team experience at the club level to solidify his place with Ivory Coast.
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Liverpool are facing several changes in their backroom staff after Jurgen Klopp announced that he is leaving at the end of this season. The Reds would want to have a successor in place before they indulge in any transfer deals. Diomande’s current manager Amorim is one of the top contenders to succeed Klopp at Liverpool, inciting more authenticity to this speculation.
