Journalistic reports revealed a sudden stumble in Real Madrid's negotiations to secure the services of the 19-year-old Ivorian winger Yan Diomande from German club Leipzig during the ongoing summer transfer window.
The player holds a contract with the German club until June 2030 and is admired by several major clubs, especially Liverpool, Manchester City, and Paris Saint-Germain, before the latter withdrew from the deal.
Real Madrid and Leipzig negotiations over Diomande hit a snag
According to the English newspaper "The Athletic," despite the confidence of Real Madrid and Leipzig officials in completing Diomande's transfer, they have not yet reached an agreement on the deal's value and payment method, though completion is expected soon.
The report clarified that the German club values the player at around €130 million and has already rejected a €100 million offer from Real Madrid, which was received more than ten days ago.
As a result, the Spanish giants submitted a second offer over the weekend worth approximately €120 million, including €100 million guaranteed, but have not yet received an official response.
Yesterday, Monday, Diomande returned to pre-season preparatory training with Leipzig after participating with the Ivory Coast national team in the World Cup, and underwent fitness and physical tests with his current teammates.
The report noted that the player has not yet received permission to travel to Spain or undergo a medical examination, but he has already agreed personal terms with Real Madrid and spoken with José Mourinho, the Merengues' coach, as part of the process.
What will Diomande add to Real Madrid?
In a related context, Diomande is distinguished by great skill and speed in transitioning from defense to attack, in addition to his precise ball control when moving at high speeds, which will add vitality to Real's attack.
The Ivorian star recorded eight decisive passes after successful dribbles with Leipzig in the 2025-2026 Bundesliga, the second-highest figure in Europe's top five leagues after Manchester City's Jeremy Doku (9 passes).
Diomande was decisive in front of goal last season, scoring 12 goals in the league with an average of just 1.9 shots per match and an accuracy rate of 49%.
Although most of his playing time with Leipzig was on the left side, Diomande is comfortable using both feet and can also play on the right side.
This is the position in which veteran coach José Mourinho might deploy him, given the lack of a permanent right winger in Real Madrid's current squad, despite the presence of two attacking right-backs, Trent Alexander-Arnold and new signing Denzel Dumfries.
Accordingly, should Vinícius Júnior depart—who is of great interest to English club Arsenal—Diomande would be a guaranteed option on the left side.
