The transfer saga surrounding RB Leipzig’s highly-rated Ivorian winger, Yan Diomande, continues to intensify, with Real Madrid’s substantial €100 million offer recently rejected. The 19-year-old is considered one of the world’s most in-demand talents, but his current club is holding out for an even more “exceptional fee.”
Real Madrid’s bid, structured as €90 million fixed with an additional €10 million in add-ons, was swiftly rebuffed by RB Leipzig. According to Ben Jacobs, Leipzig is seeking approximately €130 million for Diomande, with a significant portion of that sum expected to be fixed rather than reliant on performance-based clauses. Jacobs also noted that Leipzig has referenced Real Madrid president Florentino Perez’s past campaign promise of a €150 million signing, hinting at their valuation.
Diomande’s preference for PSG complicates matters
Adding another layer of complexity to the negotiation is Diomande’s clear preference for a move to Paris Saint-Germain. The young winger has already agreed personal terms on a five-year deal with PSG, set to run until 2031. This strong inclination previously led Liverpool to withdraw their own €100 million pursuit earlier in the window, an offer that comprised €80 million fixed and €20 million in add-ons.
Despite Diomande’s desire to join the French champions, PSG has yet to submit an official bid to RB Leipzig. Contact between PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and Leipzig CEO Oliver Mintzlaff has occurred, but a formal proposal remains outstanding. This delay leaves the door open for Real Madrid, who remain in talks for the player, to potentially make a revised offer.
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As Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg detailed, “Real Madrid have submitted an official written bid worth €100m (€90m fixed + €10m add-ons) for Yan Diomande after Liverpool’s €100m offer. RB Leipzig have rejected it again. No official bid from Paris Saint-Germain yet. Only contact between Nasser Al-Khelaifi and Oliver Mintzlaff. Diomande has decided to join PSG and agreed a contract until 2031, but Leipzig will only sell for an exceptional fee. €100m are not enough. If Real bid again for Diomande, it will become very difficult for PSG.”
Other clubs’ interest dismissed
The intense competition for Diomande’s signature extends beyond Real Madrid and PSG. Premier League giants Arsenal and Manchester City have also made inquiries regarding the Ivorian’s availability in recent days. However, Fabrizio Romano reported that Diomande is not “opening doors” to a move to either club, and neither Arsenal nor Manchester City are prepared to go “all in” with a bid comparable to Real Madrid’s.
With Leipzig steadfast in their €130 million valuation and Diomande’s heart set on PSG, the transfer saga is poised for further twists. Real Madrid’s continued presence in negotiations, coupled with PSG’s lack of an official bid, suggests that the final destination for the highly-coveted winger is far from decided.
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