Liverpool has recently been linked with interest in Sporting center-back Ousmane Diomande, but it may not be a move that makes sense in the current transfer window.
Liverpool has been rumored to be interested in highly-rated Sporting center-back Ousmane Diomande of late, but a move for him may not be as straightforward as some would hope.
The back four is an area in which Jürgen Klopp could be looking to improve before the window closes, but with the performances of Liverpool’s current options, including continued standout displays from Jarell Quansah, a move for Diomande — touted by the Daily Mail this week — might be best explored in the summer. Even if Joël Matip, who is now in the final six months of his contract, leaves the club at the end of the season, there are still a number of issues that Diomande faces.
The first is the blossoming form of Ibrahima Konaté. The Frenchman has been a consistent force in Liverpool’s back-line this season, finding some of his best levels since joining the club.
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Back-to-back performances against Arsenal reaffirmed how he looks to be the future starter for France at international level. The win at the Emirates Stadium was even more impressive after he stood out in the absence of Virgil van Dijk.
Claims that Van Dijk had “fell off” last season now look to be premature, with some impatient as the Liverpool skipper worked his way back to fitness in a poorly performing side. The 32-year-old has been the best center-back in the Premier League this season, and it doesn’t look like his levels will be dropping anytime soon.
Valued at $44m (£34m/€40m) by TransferMarkt, Diomande would come into the club with hopes of establishing himself as a starter. That isn’t easy to do behind two of the world’s best in his position though.
Coming from a less competitive league in Portugal’s top flight, he would also need some time to adapt to the Premier League, which gives no guarantees of success. Unlike Darwin Núñez, there would be fewer opportunities to start unless one of the options ahead of him is injured, hindering the speed of his development.
And what would it mean for Quansah? The 20-year-old has been excellent as the fourth-choice center-back this season, with Joe Gomez providing cover on both flanks. The value of homegrown players means it makes much more sense to continue progressing Quansah, who has shined for his composure at the back as well as his ball-playing ability.
Of course, the potential exit of Matip could leave a spot to fill, but not in the profile of Diomande. An extension for the 32-year-old may even make more sense.
Matip, who is one of the most popular figures at the club, may be more willing to accept less playing time, while his performance levels before his injury were also promising. Although he could face a natural regression, Quansah is moving in the opposite direction, and will eventually move himself up the defensive depth chart.
Should Liverpool already have decided to move him on, then his replacement should be an experienced player, similar to Wataru Endo, who is reliable, but also willing to join without being a regular in the starting XI. If the likes of Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain stay away from Konaté, then the Reds shouldn’t be looking to sign Diomande.
