Liverpool are continuing their search for a new center-back, with Sporting Lisbon’s Ousmane Diomande now emerging as a serious option following positive talks with Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck.
The Reds are working hard behind the scenes to strengthen their defense amid growing uncertainty around Ibrahima Konate’s future.
His contract runs out at the end of the season, and with Real Madrid reportedly showing interest, Liverpool are preparing for every possible outcome.
To make matters worse, Giovanni Leoni’s ACL injury has ruled him out for the rest of the campaign. The situation leaves Arne Slot with limited long-term options, pushing the club’s recruitment team into action.
According to DaveOCKOP, Liverpool have held positive dialogue with Schlotterbeck’s camp, but they’re not stopping there. The club has now added Ousmane Diomande to their shortlist — a young, dynamic defender who could fit perfectly into Slot’s system.
“Ousmane Diomande of Sporting CP is a name under consideration,” the report stated.
Ousmane Diomande: The backup plan
Liverpool reportedly still expect Marc Guehi to join the club in the future, but nothing has been finalized yet. That uncertainty has led to wider scouting, and Diomande’s name keeps popping up.
The 21-year-old Ivory Coast international has already made over 100 appearances for Sporting Lisbon since joining from Midtjylland in early 2023.
He’s won back-to-back Primeira Liga titles, earned a place in two straight Team of the Year selections, and even featured at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Crystal Palace were close to signing him last summer in a deal worth around £45 million, but it appears Liverpool are now quietly doing their homework.
While Schlotterbeck remains Slot’s top choice due to his passing and Bundesliga experience, Diomande offers pace, composure, and serious defensive presence — the kind that could make even Erling Haaland think twice.
“It’s more about doing our due diligence and keeping options open,” a source close to the club reportedly said.
Ousmane Diomande stats (Last 365 days)
| Metric | Per 90 | Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Passes Attempted | 69.65 | 92 |
| Pass Completion % | 92.9% | 98 |
| Interceptions | 1.14 | 55 |
| Aerials Won | 2.68 | 67 |
| Shot-Creating Actions | 1.18 | 84 |
Based on 2052 minutes played, compared to positional peers in top 14 European competitions (FBref).
If Konate leaves and Guehi’s deal stalls, Liverpool could even pursue both Schlotterbeck and Diomande next summer — an ambitious but calculated rebuild.
For now, Diomande feels like Liverpool’s “wild card” option — a young star with a sky-high ceiling. And knowing how the Reds operate, fans can expect quiet progress before any big defensive signing gets the green light.