£70m Newcastle transfer target has finally made decision amid January move

Newcastle United have been struck a transfer blow as Sporting Lisbon defender Ousmane Diomande refused to leave before the conclusion of the season.

Newcastle were scouting the centre-back ahead of the transfer window, as Eddie Howe looked to bolster his overstretched squad for the second half of the season.

According to A Bola, Diomande will not be joining Newcastle in January and would prefer to stay at Sporting until the end of the season to help them compete for the Portuguese crown.

 

Diomande to Newcastle now off the table

If Newcastle are looking to bring in a new centre-back in January to either replace or supplement Fabian Schar, it is doubtful that the 19-year-old will be the one to do it.

Newcastle’s new signings certainly admire the young defender and may continue to scout him in the summer when he may be more prepared to depart.

Diomande has already proven to be an exciting talent this season and, according to A Bola, has become ‘one of the most promising young players in Europe’ following 33 games for Sporting since the start of last season, so it’s clear to see why Newcastle want to sign him. The Ivorian, who has a £70 million release clause, is now a regular starter for Ruben Amorim’s team and is being scouted by some of Europe’s biggest clubs, however his resolve to stay in Portugal beyond January has not changed.

Newcastle need strength in depth

It’s critical for Eddie Howe and the club’s future that Newcastle to bring in quality players in January and the summer, as they’re now trapped in an unusual hybrid situation.

Players like Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes, who were brought in after the takeover, are world-class players who should be playing European football every season.

But when you consider the depth of the squad, Matt Ritchie and Paul Dummett, two players who were useful in the Championship season almost seven years ago, are a few injuries away from starting.

Bringing in Diomande from Sporting and other prospective or existing stars will dramatically reshape this Newcastle club, pushing them to challenge for a top four finish every season.