Real Madrid have entered the competition to sign 19-year-old winger Yan Diomandé from RB Leipzig, according to The Athletic. The Spanish giants join a growing list of interested clubs including Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, and Manchester City in pursuing the Ivorian international, who has 14 caps and 3 goals for his country.
Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool have reportedly been the most proactive in attempting to secure a deal for Diomandé, who has quickly become one of the most sought-after players this summer. The potential move to Real Madrid is currently framed as a contingency plan, with the club viewing Diomandé as a potential replacement for Brahim Diaz should the Moroccan international depart, although Diaz is currently unwilling to leave the Bernabéu.
Diomandé enjoyed a breakout season with Leipzig following his transfer from Leganés last summer, registering 13 goals and 10 assists in 36 appearances across all competitions. His impressive statistics for a player of his age have attracted significant attention from top clubs across Europe. Leipzig paid €20 million to acquire Diomandé from Leganés last year, and are now in a strong negotiating position.
RB Leipzig are reportedly demanding a transfer fee of around €130 million for Diomandé, according to L’Équipe. Sporting director Marcel Schäfer stated the club’s intention to retain the player, declaring, “Our intention is clear: we want Yan Diomandé to play for RB Leipzig next season.” Should a club meet Leipzig’s valuation, Diomandé would become the club’s most expensive sale, eclipsing the €90 million received from Manchester City for Josko Gvardiol and the €85 million from Manchester United for Benjamin Sesko.
Diomandé’s contract with Leipzig runs until 2030, giving the Bundesliga club considerable leverage in negotiations. The financial windfall from a potential sale would represent a significant profit for Leipzig, highlighting the player’s rapid rise in value since arriving in Germany.
