EXCLUSIVE: Crystal Palace forced to pay more to sign Ousmane Diomande, reason revealed
Crystal Palace forced to pay more to sign Ousmane Diomande, reason revealed
Sporting CP could demand the full release clause in Ousmane Diomande’s contract, thus forcing Crystal Palace to pay more than they intended.
According to Graeme Bailey on TBR Football, Crystal Palace are being faced with the prospect of paying more for key defensive target Ousmane Diomande than they initially intended. Sporting CP, in light of the upcoming sale of star striker Viktor Gyokeres, are determined to demand the full release clause in the defender’s contract.
Crystal Palace are set to make a key decision on the future of key defender and skipper Marc Guehi. The England international is into the final 12 months of his deal at Selhurst Park, and from a financial standpoint, it does not make sense to keep hold of him and instead cash in this summer.
Guehi is attracting big interest from top Premier League sides, as Liverpool are in the mix, while Tottenham are also interested. So, Crystal Palace had earmarked Ousmane Diomande as their main target to replace the England international, with the report stating the Eagles were willing to pay around £48 million for the Ivorian defender.
Palace were in key talks for Diomande a while ago, but things have not moved in the right direction since, as is the case with Guehi so far. Some reports even stated that talks for the 21-year-old defender had stalled, but there is still some hope for it to revive, as long as the Eagles are open to entertaining Sporting CP’s demands.
Sporting CP want Ousmane Diomande’s entire release clause, which stands at £69 million, something that will bother Palace or other suitor. The Portuguese side considers the 21-year-old defender a key part of their season ahead, and will be reluctant to lose him for anything less than his exit clause.
Sporting CP’s stance is stronger after Viktor Gyokeres’ agreement
The report emphasises the fact that Viktor Gyokeres’s impending move to Arsenal will have a major effect on Crystal Palace’s pursuit of Diomande. They state that the sale of the Swedish striker will ensure Sporting CP are not desperate for funds from player sales, meaning stars like Diomande, Morten Hjulmand and Francisco Trincao could stay put unless a team triggers their respective release clauses.
Crystal Palace have been hoping to get a swift deal done for Diomande, but their efforts are now scuppered by Arsenal’s impending deal for Gyokeres. The Eagles are still expected to open fresh talks with Sporting CP to find a headway in negotiations, although the player’s decision will also be key in this pursuit.
