RB Leipzig manager Martin Demichelis has opened the door to Yan Diomande’s potential departure this summer, admitting that “anything can happen” despite the Ivorian being due to report for pre-season training on Monday. The Argentine coach addressed the ongoing transfer speculation surrounding the sought-after player following his side’s narrow victory over Ingolstadt in a friendly fixture on Saturday.
Manager keeps options open
Speaking in a flash interview with Sky Sports, Demichelis refused to guarantee Diomande’s stay at the Red Bull Arena. “He (Diomande) is still an RB Leipzig player. But, in football, anything can happen,” the manager said. The comments suggest the Bundesliga club have not closed the door on a lucrative sale, even as Diomande prepares to join the first-team squad on Monday.
The Ivorian is expected to report alongside the majority of Leipzig’s senior players who were not involved in extended international duty this summer. However, with Demichelis acknowledging the unpredictable nature of the transfer market, the player’s future remains uncertain despite his scheduled return.
Friendly victory and new faces
The Bundesliga side secured a 1-0 win over third-tier Ingolstadt in a match played over two 60-minute periods. An early own-goal from Ingolstadt captain Marc Lorenz, diverting Brajan Gruda’s delivery into his own net after just four minutes, proved decisive in an otherwise tight contest.
Recent acquisition Maxime Estève featured for the first time during the encounter, offering supporters a first glimpse of the new signing in Leipzig colours. However, fellow summer arrival Rocco Reitz was unavailable for selection due to fitness issues. Young midfielder Assan Ouédraogo did play, returning to action following his involvement in the World Cup with Germany’s youth teams.
Squad changes and absentees
The fixture also highlighted the imminent departure of experienced goalkeeper Péter Gulácsi, who was the only unused substitute as he prepares for an expected transfer to Villarreal. The move would mark a significant change between the posts for the Bundesliga outfit.
Meanwhile, winger Antonio Nusa will report for training later than his teammates after helping Norway reach the World Cup quarter-finals. The staggered return of Leipzig’s international contingent means Demichelis will not have his full squad available until next week at the earliest.