Real Madrid shocked as Yan Diomande transfer saga takes another twist

1 Aug 2026 11:35 BST |
5 min read

Robin Bairner
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Chief Editor

Accredited football journalist and editor covering the game since 2006

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Yan Diomande’s move to Real Madrid has stalled amid reports that RB Leipzig have hiked up their asking price for the Ivory Coast international winger.

Jose Mourinho’s side are on track to complete a remarkable hijack of PSG’s move for the 19-year-old sensation.

While the two-time Champions League winners were unwilling to match Leipzig’s demands for the player, Real Madrid stormed in with what appeared a decisive offer.

However, the Bundesliga side are digging their heels in over their demands of €120 million plus bonuses for the winger to move to Los Blancos.

Real Madrid shocked by Diomande development

According to Sky Sport Deutschland transfer expert Florian Plettenberg, Leipzig’s attitude has stunned the Spaniards.

Reporting on X, the insider said on Friday: “RB Leipzig have not responded to Real Madrid’s latest offer. As a result, negotiations have largely stalled in recent 24 hours, causing some surprise in Madrid.

“The player’s clear intention is (should he have to travel) not to take part in full team training there. He wants the move to Real Madrid, has mentally moved on from Leipzig, and is hoping the clubs will reach an agreement soon. Deal still on. Crucial weekend ahead.”

Diomande was not named in Leipzig’s squad to face Verl in a friendly on Saturday, with the club officially announcing that he is ill and will not play.

On the other hand, Plettenberg says he is not in the squad for fear of jeopardising the transfer. However, he adds that no breakthrough has been made in terms of the negotiations between the clubs.

Deal a matter of time, says Romano

Fabrizio Romano, who has been at odds with Plettenberg on social media over the reporting of this transfer saga, continues to insist that the deal is agreed.

“Everything has been agreed verbally with Real Madrid for almost a week now,” he said in his latest transfer update.

“The only thing missing is Leipzig giving the green light for the player to travel and complete his medical tests.

“Real Madrid are remaining patient while they wait for the formal steps to be completed, but that is still the direction of the deal and I will keep you updated when there is further progress.”

The ongoing Diomande agency dispute

A further layer of intrigue in the move is caused by the confusion over who currently represents Diomande.

It is a tangle that has been ongoing for months and involves American rapper Jay-Z and former Premier League footballer Max Gradel as its protagonists.

Diomande seemed to have teed himself up for a summer transfer when it was announced following the close of the winter window that he had changed agency to Roc Nation, founded by Jay-Z.

Jay-Z’s stable includes players such as Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior and Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli, but while Roc Nation’s website has the biography of the Ivory Coast international beside such players, there is a dispute as to who is legally allowed to represent him.

Maxidel Management, which was formed by former Leeds star Max Gradel, claims that the RB Leipzig star is still its player.

It announced a contract extension with the player via Instagram on 1 January and has since released a statement:

“It is therefore with great surprise that we are now discovering that an engagement may have been made in parallel with another agency, outside of any proper procedure and without respect for our contractual rights.

“In light of this situation, Maxidel Management will take all necessary measures to protect its rights and defend its interests through the appropriate legal channels.”

Real Madrid could therefore complete a transfer for Diomande but face complicated legal ramifications thereafter.

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