Real Madrid are closing in on the signing of Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig, with the 19-year-old having already agreed personal terms with the Spanish club.
According to Diario AS, negotiations between the two clubs remain ongoing, but the player is poised to become Madrid’s fifth summer arrival. The deal would see Diomande move despite only recently joining Leipzig from Spanish side Leganés.
Beating PSG to the Signature
Madrid have moved decisively to secure the teenager, who attracted significant interest from Paris Saint-Germain. The French club saw a £102.5 million bid rejected by Leipzig earlier in the window.
The contract offered to Diomande reportedly follows a performance-based structure similar to that of Jude Bellingham, with terms improving year-on-year as targets are met. BBC Sport suggests the package is worth more than £100 million.
Real Madrid’s recruitment team has monitored the winger extensively. Sources close to the club indicate that chief scouts José Ángel and Juni Calafat have tracked Diomande for approximately five years, predating his recent World Cup displays with Ivory Coast.
Proven Bundesliga Quality
Diomande arrives with strong credentials from German football. Last season, he recorded 12 goals and eight assists in the Bundesliga, earning the league’s Young Player of the Season award.
His time in Spain during the 2024-25 campaign with Leganés provided him with La Liga experience before his switch to Leipzig.
Tactical Flexibility
According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, manager José Mourinho has already begun planning how to integrate the winger into his attack. Diomande is expected to operate primarily on the right flank, though he will also provide cover on the left when Vinícius Júnior is unavailable.
Midfield Moves on Hold
While Diomande’s arrival nears, any deal for Manchester City midfielder Rodri remains stalled. Diario AS understands that although the Spain international is interested in returning to La Liga with Madrid as his preferred destination, no concrete negotiations are currently underway.
Club executives have shifted from an initial firm refusal to a more open stance, but the situation remains static. The arrival of Bernardo Silva has further populated an already crowded midfield, meaning Madrid must first reduce their squad numbers before registering new additions in that position.
Dani Ceballos has already departed permanently, while Gonzalo García and Franco Mastantuono are expected to leave on a permanent deal and loan respectively. Agent Jorge Mendes is actively seeking a new club for defender Raúl Asencio. However, Brahim Díaz and Eduardo Camavinga have indicated they intend to stay.
The window remains open until September, leaving time for further developments, though any move for Rodri would require significant outgoings first.