Latest news with #Diomande
Scotsman
02-06-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
Rangers star 'identified' by EPL giant as £4.3m man courts transfer interest with Ibrox braced for huge week
One of Rangers key players has rumoured interest from the EPL after his strong Scottish Premiership season. Sign up to our Football newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Rangers are facing a battle to hang on to one of their key players this summer after transfer interest from the English Premier League emerged over the weekend. Everton are believed to have 'identified' 23-year-old midfielder Mohamed Diomande for transfer after his impressive season at Ibrox, with to a new report from the Daily Express claiming the Toffees have 'serious intent to drive up the table' after ending last season strongly following the return of Scottish head coach David Moyes. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad With the club set to enter a new era in their new 52,000 seater stadium, Everton are targeting reinforcements in central midfield, with Abdoulaye Doucoure departing upon the expiration of his contract, while Orel Mangala is also returning to Lyon following his season-long loan spell with the Blues. Rangers' Mohammed Diomande celebrates during success on Sunday at Celtic Park, Glasgow. Picture date: Sunday March 16, 2025. PA Photo. See PA story SOCCER Celtic. Photo credit should read: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder. This has led them to eye up a potential offer for Ivorian midfielder Diomande, with the Rangers star targeted after he provided 12 goal contributions in all competitions last season, while it is understood Everton are also attracted by the player's versatility in the centre of the park. The Merseyside outfit are thought to also be interested in strengthening their options at right-back and right-wing, with the club hoping to tie up deals as early as possible during the summer transfer window, potential leaving ex-Rangers academy product Nathan Patterson in limbo over his future. Rangers, who are set to enter a new era themselves following the recent take over from Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises, will be reluctant to lose the Ivory Coast international who has been a key figure for the club since joining from Nordsjaelland in January 2024. Originally signing for the club on loan, Diomande joined the Light Blues permanently last summer in a deal worth a reported £4.3million. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Heading in the opposite direction, new Rangers sporting director Kevin Thelwell will officially begin his new role at Ibrox this morning after leaving Everton, just four days on from confirmation of the club's takeover. With major changes expected at the club this summer, Thelwell's first job will be to come to a conclusion on his preferred managerial candidate alongside new club chairman Cavenagh, with a decision likely to be made this week.
Daily Record
01-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
David Moyes 'eyes' Rangers transfer raid as 3 exits on cards with 49ers clearing space for mega summer overhaul
Mohamed Diomande is said to have caught the eye of David Moyes' Toffees Mohamed Diomande is reportedly a summer transfer target for Everton, with the Premier League club in desperate need of reinforcements in midfield. Despite Rangers ' struggles last season, the Ivorian enjoyed a decent campaign, scoring six goals and registering nine goals in all competitions. The 23-year-old initially joined Gers on a loan deal from FC Nordsjælland in January 2024, with the transfer being made permanent for around £4million in the following summer. But the Daily Express claim that Diomande is one of several players being eyed up by Toffees boss David Moyes. With veteran Abdoulaye Doucoure leaving the club on a dree transfer and loanee Orel Mangala heading back to Lyon at the end of his season-long loan, the Merseyside club are keen to bolster their options in the middle third of the pitch. They also add that Diomande's versality also makes him appeal to Everton as a potential target, with the Ivory Coast international able to play as both a holding midfielder or in a more advanced role. Diomande will be very familiar to Rangers new sporting director Kevin Thelwell and technical director Dan Purdy, who have both made the move to Ibrox from Bramley Moor Dock as part of the new-look boardroom team assembled by 49ers Enterprises. And the Rangers number 10 isn't the only player who has been linked with a move away from the club in recent days. Centre back Robin Propper endured a tough debut season in Govan and reports in the Netherlands claim that he could be set for a return to FC Twente. The 31-year-old was signed by Philippe Clement last summer to add some much-needed experience to the Light Blues back line but a combination of poor form and injuries meant that the Dutchman wasn't quite able to make the impact he would have hoped for. 49ers Enterprises takeover at Ibrox should give the new Rangers manager - which should be confirmed next week - more money to play with in the transfer market, but moving players on to balance the books will also be required. And claim that Twente - who Propper previously made 115 appearances for between 2021 and 2024, could be on his way back to the Netherlands. Turkey international Ridvan Yilmaz is another man who has an uncertain future in Glasgow. The 24-year-old made just 24 appearances in all competitions last season, with an injury picked up in the Europa League quarter-final defeat to Athletic Bilbao in April ruling him out for the remainder of the campaign. The left back has long been linked with a return to his homeland in recent months and Turkish outlet Aspor insist that a deal has been thrashed out to take him back to Besiktas, two years after he swapped them for Gers.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Chelsea Have Joined the Race to Sign £68m Defender
Chelsea Poised for Diomande Deal: A Power Move in the Making As the Premier League season nears its end, the intensity in the race for European qualification continues to climb – and Chelsea are right in the thick of it. While whispers of a UEFA Conference League final hang in the air, it's the Premier League top five that Enzo Maresca and his side truly have their eyes on. Advertisement According to a recent Football FanCast article, Chelsea may be preparing to make a significant move in the transfer window, targeting Sporting CP's Ousmane Diomande – a player reportedly available for around £68 million. The report states: 'New reports from Spain indicate that Chelsea are in the running to finally snap up the Sporting titan… with Maresca personally keen on adding him to the Stamford Bridge ranks.' That personal interest from the manager suggests Diomande isn't just a name on the list – he's a priority. Photo: IMAGO Defensive Reinforcements Beyond Hato Much has been made of Chelsea's long-standing interest in Ajax's Jorrel Hato, but as Football FanCast notes, the Blues might consider Diomande the better fit – and for good reason. Advertisement 'When comparing the 21-year-old's strengths next to Hato's, he could well be a dream alternative and even an upgrade on the Rotterdam-born youngster.' The statistical comparison underlines that point. Diomande boasts Champions League pedigree, having started nine matches in the competition this season. In contrast, Hato has featured for Ajax in the Europa League, a stage undoubtedly less intense and prestigious than UEFA's elite tournament. What's more, Diomande's 6ft 3in frame and proven aerial presence – highlighted by six goals in 99 matches – adds another layer to his appeal. Hato may be just as eager and technically gifted, but with only four goals across more senior appearances, he lacks Diomande's physical dominance. Enzo Maresca's Second Summer Signals Ambition This won't be a quiet window at Stamford Bridge. With Christopher Nkunku's disappointing debut campaign potentially coming to a swift end, and fresh links to attackers like Viktor Gyokeres and Jamie Gittens, Chelsea are gearing up for another reshuffle. Advertisement Still, it's defence that requires the most immediate attention. Thiago Silva's exit looms, Trevoh Chalobah's future remains uncertain, and Wesley Fofana's fitness cannot be guaranteed. Diomande's age, experience, and profile make him an ideal candidate to bring authority to the backline for years to come. Photo IMAGO The report also acknowledges competition from Liverpool and Arsenal, but Chelsea's financial muscle and urgent need at centre-back could give them the edge. Diomande's All-Around Game Suits Chelsea's Style Under Maresca, Chelsea are evolving into a more possession-based side, reliant on defenders who can play from the back and read the game well. Diomande fits the mould. Advertisement His composure in high-stakes Champions League matches speaks volumes. The fact that he's been trusted on the continent at just 21 shows a maturity that will be crucial in the Premier League cauldron. Football FanCast rightly calls him an 'elite talent' – and Maresca's interest may reflect more than just potential, but an expectation that Diomande can deliver from day one. As Football FanCast notes, 'Diomande could be just what Chelsea need right now.' That phrase carries weight. The club has invested heavily in youth, but now needs players who can combine that promise with performance. Our View – EPL Index Analysis As a Chelsea supporter, this news is thrilling. Ousmane Diomande isn't just a backup option – he's a statement signing in the making. Anyone who's watched him boss the Sporting backline in the Champions League will know: he's composed under pressure, sharp on the turn, and brings an aggression Chelsea's defence has lacked since Antonio Rüdiger left. Advertisement With Thiago Silva's legendary career in blue drawing to a close, the timing is perfect. We don't need another project – we need a player ready to lead. Diomande at 21 is already playing with the maturity of someone five years older. Sure, Hato is good – but Diomande is better for us, right now. He's what you get when you combine athleticism, game intelligence, and raw physicality. And let's be honest – six goals as a centre-back? That's gold dust. Maresca's second summer at the helm is shaping up to be an exciting one. If Diomande is the defensive foundation, and we're also bringing in attacking threats like Gyokeres, this squad could finally find the balance it's been missing. Fingers crossed the board gets this done early – because the Premier League waits for no one.
Scottish Sun
04-05-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Rangers ultras appear to taunt Celtic rivals with ‘seasons beatings' banner during Old Firm clash
TAKING AIM Rangers ultras appear to taunt Celtic rivals with 'seasons beatings' banner during Old Firm clash THE final Old Firm match of the season saw points shared as Rangers made it three derbies in a row without defeat. Celtic lost the previous two games against their rivals but are already champions, leaving the Gers the victors of a match for pride and bragging rights. Advertisement 2 Rangers ultras unveiled the message Credit: Sky Sports Scotland 2 "Seasons of beatings, to be continued..." Credit: Sky Sports Scotland With there being no such thing as a dead rubber between the two sides, fans made their presence known and took aim at their opposite numbers. A display in the home end of Ibrox portrayed a shotgun being pointed with a message towards 'rebel scum', while Celtic ultras held aloft stolen flags from their rivals. But the boys in blue had another banner to unfurl as they appeared to taunt their enemies by saying: "Seasons of beatings, to be continued..." With the Hoops dominating on pitch matters for the last four years, the jibe likely refers to the rivalry outside of the game between fan groups. Advertisement Back in December the two sets of supporters were seen clashing in large numbers in Glasgow City Centre before a League Cup meeting which saw the Celts win on penalties. Fists and flares were flung as police struggled to contain the situation which led to officers being handed increased powers and arrests were made. Problems occurred again around March's match between the Glasgow teams as groups of fans were locked out of the stadium by officers. The Parkhead side called in independent safety consultants in response to this and the Green Brigade spoke out against the 'unlawful' handling of the situation. Advertisement There have also been escalating instances of graffitiing in this battle including on the side of a train and once with reference to the Pope and stolen drums and other kit. And after today's game Rangers have had to issue a statement over fan behaviour, partially about the large shotgun display but mainly in reference to a glass bottle that was thrown onto the field of play. Sickening moment Celtic fan mocks Ibrox disaster during Hoops' Old Firm clash against Rangers In part, it read: "This behaviour has no place at our stadium. "Steps have already been taken to identify the person responsible, and the club will take the strongest possible action once their identity is confirmed. Advertisement "We also acknowledge that the tifo displayed prior to kick-off crossed a line and was unacceptable." Rangers v Celtic player ratings RANGERS: Kelly 7, Tavernier 7, Balogun 7, Souttar 7, Jefte 5, Diomande 7, Raskin 8, Barron 7, Cerny 5, Dessers 6, Bajrami 5. Gers subs: Hagi 1 (Bajrami, 66), Igamane (1 Cerny, 66), Rice 2 (Hagi, 83), Danilo 1 (Diomande, 90). CELTIC: Sinisalo 7, Ralston 7, Carter-Vickers 7, Scales 6, Taylor 7, Engels 7, McGregor 7, Hatate 7, Forrest 6, Idah 7, Maeda 6. Celtic subs: Bernardo 3 (Engels, 63), Yang 3 (Forrest, 63), Schlupp 1 (Taylor, 79), Kenny 1 (Idah, 84). Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Daily Mail
03-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Diomande's sense of regret over Rangers' woeful season
Rangers midfielder Mohamed Diomande admits he feels full of regret as another dismal season nears its conclusion. As they prepare to host Celtic at Ibrox this afternoon, Rangers are already guaranteed to finish the campaign without a trophy. Rangers reached the Europa League quarter-finals before losing to Athletic Bilbao, but have endured another season of failure on the domestic front. Treble-chasing Celtic have already wrapped up the league title for the fourth successive season and for the 13th time in the past 14 years. Rangers have beaten their bitter rivals in each of the past two league meetings, with Diomande scoring in the 3-2 win at Celtic Park back in March. But the Ibrox midfielder admits that isn't enough to ease the pain of such a wretched campaign which saw Philippe Clement sacked as manager and replaced by Barry Ferguson. Rangers go into the match 17 points behind Celtic and, with the US takeover edging closer, Diomande believes victory would help build belief for next season. 'I think it would help with belief for next season,' said the 23-year-old Ivorian. 'We've won two games against them. It's in the other games that we have struggled. 'I don't see any problem for Sunday, I know we are going to be ready for this game. I know that's something that happens every time we play against Celtic. 'I don't want to look back at the season already with four games still to go, but looking back I know there's going to be a lot of regret from a lot of us. 'We thought we could push in the other games. We know we'll be ready for this game. Our fans want us to beat them and we'll be trying to do that. 'Speaking for myself personally, I know I'm going to be hard on myself. And I've been hard on myself a lot of times. That's what I feel. I don't know what other players are feeling.' On his goal against Celtic back in March, Diomande continued: 'It's always nice to score against your direct rivals and I was happy to score against them. The win was important. 'We always want to beat them. We know the rivalry is from a long time ago. 'We know what it means to the fans who come to support us. For a long time they couldn't come to support us at Parkhead. It was good to get that win for them. 'It's going to mean something to our fans. I know they have already won the league. But we still want to win our games and we want to win at Ibrox again.' Asked why Rangers have struggled against the smaller clubs this season, Diomande added: 'I think when we play other teams, they are more defensive-minded. 'I think we've struggled to create a lot of chances. That's been the biggest problem and the biggest challenge for us. 'I really hope we can find a way to break teams down. We've got four games left and I'm already looking forward to next season and to be ready for every team we are going to face.'
