Man United circle as Sporting struggle to extend Ousmane Diomande’s deal to 2030

Sporting are trying to tie Ousmane Diomande to a new contract until 2030, yet the center-back has not rushed to sign, creating an opening for Manchester United, Newcastle and Crystal Palace. The Ivorian’s current deal has been reported as running to 2026 or 2027, with a sizeable release clause in place. United scouts have tracked him extensively, and there is growing confidence the club can move decisively in 2025 as they reshape their defense. Diomande’s pace, aerial command and ball progression fit a high line and possession build, making him an ideal partner profile for Lisandro Martínez.

Portuguese press have detailed Sporting’s push to extend Ousmane Diomande’s contract to 2030 amid interest from Premier League clubs. There is discrepancy over the existing expiry date - widely listed as 2027 in earlier announcements - but the takeaway is unchanged: renewal talks are ongoing and not straightforward. English clubs have scouted Diomande throughout the past year, and recruitment departments view Sporting’s stance and the player’s position as a developing opportunity ahead of the next window.

🚨 JUST IN: Sporting are in talks with Diomande to extend his contract till 2030, but there has been resistance despite Sporting's insistence. His contract ends in the summer of 2026. Palace, Newcastle & Manchester United are keeping a close eye on the situation. [@abolapt]

@UtdXclusive

Impact Analysis

For Manchester United, Diomande would address three needs at once: recovery speed in a high line, dominance on first contact, and confident progression under pressure. Under Rúben Amorim, he has operated in a back three and a back four, stepping into midfield lanes to break lines and pressing triggers. That translates cleanly to the Premier League’s tempo. Pairing with Lisandro Martínez offers a natural left-right balance - Martínez orchestrates diagonals and aggressive front-foot defending, while Diomande patrols depth and wins aerial duels. It also eases minutes pressure on Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelöf, while allowing Willy Kambwala to develop without being overexposed.

From a squad-building lens, United’s recent injuries and churn at center-back made a long-term anchor essential. Diomande’s age profile and upward curve align with a multi-window plan rather than a stop-gap. Financially, any deal lives in the elite bracket, but United have already demonstrated willingness to invest in cornerstone positions. Crystal Palace and Newcastle provide credible competition - Palace’s model values resale, and Newcastle seek a mobile partner for their back line - yet United offer immediate stature and a pathway to continental nights that resonate with a defender of Diomande’s ambitions.

Reaction

Fan sentiment tilts optimistic and impatient. A chorus of United supporters wrote some version of “I’d love to have him,” with one calling Diomande a long-term Maguire successor. Another flagged a contract discrepancy - “Think his contract runs until 2027” - echoing what many databases list. That detail fuels a belief that Sporting are pushing to add years precisely because top-tier offers are circling. Palace and Newcastle fans chimed in to argue fit for their styles - Andersen’s future at Palace always invites speculation, while Newcastle followers weighed the idea of pairing Diomande with a towering stopper.

There is also the usual noise that comes with any big rumor - unrelated club messages, plugs for other topics - but the thread’s through line is clear: Premier League supporters rate Diomande as plug-and-play. United fans in particular envision Martínez-Diomande as a modern partnership - front foot, fast, and comfortable building through pressure. Dissenters are rare and mostly question fee size rather than the player’s ceiling. The mood reads like the start of a tug-of-war, with United fans confident their club will push the hardest when it matters.

Social reactions

I would to have him at the club

king walker (@FrancisMen73749)

I’ll love to have him

jamal (@mydevilsopinion)

Think his contract runs until 2027. Would be a good long term replacement for Maguire.

Hussain (@HSSHashim)

Prediction

Two clean scenarios emerge. If Sporting secure a renewal to 2029 or 2030, they will likely lift the release clause and close the exit ramp until a massive bid arrives. That path buys Sporting control and time, but it does not erase Premier League interest - it simply prices it higher.

The second scenario - increasingly plausible if talks stall - is a summer 2025 transfer. United are positioned to move early, leveraging months of live scouting and relationships with intermediaries. Expect a fee bracket in the €60m-€80m range depending on clause mechanics and competition. Newcastle can match a strong package if they align FFP headroom, while Palace would need structure and add-ons. A January move is less likely unless Sporting line up a replacement and the buying club pays a premium.

My read after seeing Diomande live and reviewing recent performance data: United will escalate, the player will keep renewal talks open but measured, and the decisive phase lands late spring. If United hit their internal green lights, this can be wrapped swiftly once the window opens.

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Conclusion

Sporting’s push to 2030 is smart, but it underlines how valuable Ousmane Diomande has become. He is the modern center-back prototype - long stride, quick across the ground, clean on the ball, and brave stepping into midfield. That tool kit is exactly what Manchester United need to stabilize their structure and raise their build quality from the back. Competing bids may surface, yet United’s sporting project and the promise of a Martínez partnership carry real weight.

Whether the current contract reads 2026 or 2027, the calendar favors proactive clubs. If renewal momentum stalls, summer 2025 becomes the window to strike. My stance is consistent with conversations around the game this week: United like him, the profile fits Ten Hag’s high-line principles, and the deal has the right ingredients to get done if the price lands near the clause. Expect noise, expect poker - but also expect United to be there when the decision day arrives.