Leeds United Hit With SHOCK £69M Demand As Sporting Play Hardball Over Ousmane Diomande

Leeds United’s pursuit of Ousmane Diomande has been dealt a major blow after Sporting CP reportedly slapped a staggering £69 million price tag on the highly-rated defender.

The Whites are desperate to strengthen their squad ahead of a crucial second season back in the Premier League. After relying on a huge recruitment drive to survive last season, Daniel Farke has made it clear that even more quality is needed if Leeds are to avoid another relegation battle.

One of the club’s top defensive targets is Sporting CP star Ousmane Diomande. The Ivory Coast international has been heavily linked with a move to Elland Road in recent weeks, with reports suggesting Leeds were prepared to break their transfer record to land the 22-year-old centre-back.

But according to reports from Portugal, Sporting have now raised the stakes dramatically.

Leeds are believed to have already contacted Diomande’s representatives to explore a potential deal, but Sporting president Frederico Varandas is refusing to back down. The Portuguese giants now want a fee close to the defender’s £69 million release clause, a figure that could completely derail Leeds’ plans.

The demand comes as a huge shock, especially after previous reports suggested Sporting would consider offers in the region of £40 million.

For Leeds, that latest valuation changes everything.

While Diomande is widely regarded as one of Europe’s most promising young defenders, committing £69 million to a single player would be an enormous gamble. The 49ers are expected to strengthen multiple areas of the squad this summer, and spending such a massive chunk of their budget on one signing could leave the team exposed elsewhere.

Unless Sporting soften their stance, Leeds may have no choice but to walk away and focus on more realistic targets.

What once looked like a blockbuster deal is now in serious danger of collapsing before it even gets off the ground.