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By Ishaan Kapoor — 25 July 2026 — 3 min read

Real Madrid Pursues Yan Diomande

Real Madrid has reportedly entered discussions with RB Leipzig regarding a potential transfer for winger Yan Diomande. However, an initial offer from Madrid has been rejected by the German club. Despite this, negotiations are said to be ongoing, with optimism surrounding a potential agreement in the coming days.

Reports indicate that Madrid’s initial offer for Diomande was declined. The club is actively working to secure the deal. This pursuit aligns with Jose Mourinho’s reported desire to enhance his team’s attacking capabilities, particularly with pace and one-on-one skills, envisioning Diomande primarily operating from the right wing.

Other prominent clubs, including Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, and Manchester City, have also shown interest in Diomande. Liverpool has reportedly expressed interest in a deal. Paris Saint-Germain’s president, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, has engaged in discussions with RB Leipzig. Diomande had previously indicated a preference for a move to PSG and has reportedly agreed to a contract with them until 2031, though Leipzig is reportedly seeking an exceptional fee for his transfer.

Diomande’s Rapid Ascent

Diomande’s career trajectory has been notably swift. Just a year ago, his senior career involved a limited number of starts for Leganes as they faced relegation from LaLiga. During that period, he scored in two matches against Espanyol and Valladolid.

His performances were enough to convince RB Leipzig to bring him to the Bundesliga, where he has since made a significant impact. Last season, Diomande scored 12 goals and provided nine assists in 33 Bundesliga matches. He missed only one league game due to his participation in the Africa Cup of Nations. RB Leipzig finished third in the Bundesliga, securing qualification for the 2026-27 Champions League.

Diomande also featured in all four matches for the Ivory Coast during the recent World Cup, helping his nation reach the round of 32 before being eliminated by Norway. He has scored three times in 14 appearances for Ivory Coast, making his mark at the Africa Cup of Nations and contributing to his country’s progress from a group that included Germany and Ecuador at the World Cup.

Transfer Market Dynamics

The potential transfer of Diomande has created competition among several top European clubs. RB Leipzig’s managing director of sport, Marcel Shafer, has stated the club’s clear intention for Diomande to remain with them next year, and they are hopeful he will stay beyond the September 1 transfer deadline. The German club has reportedly been seeking a fee closer to €130 million and has also been attempting to secure a new deal for Diomande, whose current contract extends through the 2029-30 season.

Should Diomande depart, he could become RB Leipzig’s largest sale, potentially surpassing the €76.5 million, plus add-ons, received for Benjamin Sesko by Manchester United a year ago, and the €90 million Manchester City spent on Josko Gvardiol in 2023.

Real Madrid has been active in the transfer market following Mourinho’s return for a second spell as head coach. The club has already signed Bernardo Silva, Ibrahima Konate, Denzel Dumfries, and Marc Cucurella. Reports also indicate the club is working on a deal to sign Rodri from Manchester City.

The timing of Madrid’s pursuit of Diomande is notable, especially with earlier reports linking Arsenal with a potential move for Vinicius Junior if contract talks were to stall. While there is no direct connection indicated between these situations, Diomande’s arrival would further strengthen Madrid’s attacking depth and could influence the club’s long-term plans for its frontline. Manchester City and Arsenal are both said to have made approaches for Diomande over the last 10 days, but the winger has reportedly made it clear that his priority is Real Madrid.

Source: skysports.com