Latest developments
- Manchester United are ready to make a move for Ousmane Diomande.
- Ruben Amorim has requested that the club sign the Sporting star.
- Diomande has been linked with a number of top clubs.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (2/5): Spanish outlet drop bombshell claim
Manchester United are preparing to approach Sporting Lisbon in their bid to sign Ousmane Diomande following a request from Ruben Amorim, who managed the young defender in Portugal.
Fichajes.net are making this major claim, but as usual, their source information remains unclear.
Value (3/5): Operation to cost £50m
The outlet suggests that the “operation” to sign Diomande is expected to cost United around £50 million. Having already spent big on Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt over the summer, it makes little sense for the Red Devils to splurge more on another central defender instead of prioritising other areas of the pitch.
Suitability (3.5/5): Amorim knows what he is going to get
Diomande's price-tag is too high but as far as his quality is concerned, the United faithful shouldn't be worried. As well as being a towering presence, he is comfortable in possession and has impeccable positional awareness.
More importantly, Amorim is fully aware of the player's potential, having handed the Ivorian his breakthrough into the Sporting first team during a true golden age for the club.
Upgrade? (3/5): Challenge for De Ligt and Maguire
The right-footed defender usually operates as the central centre-back in a back three. The same position at United is currently occupied by De Ligt or Harry Maguire. Diomande isn't better than either at this point, but he certainly has a higher ceiling to his game.
Logic (2/5): Diomande may wait for other suitors
As much as the idea of reuniting with Amorim might be appealing for Diomande, it would be best for him to explore other options, especially since he isn't short of suitors.
The Red Devils have an abundance of centre-backs, and their defensive issues have nothing to do with the individual quality of their centre-backs. In any case, their efforts will more likely be focused on acquiring Patrick Dorgu from Lecce.
Whisper+ verdict: 13.5/25
The flaky source and United's financial predicament suggest this transfer rumour isn't going too far.
