RB Leipzig's tone shifts on sought-after Diomande as Real Madrid submits offer
Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- RB Leipzig expects highly sought-after player Yan Diomande to attend training, with coach Martín Demichelis stating his contract is valid and future decisions rest with sporting director Marcel Schäfer.
- Real Madrid has reportedly submitted an offer for the 19-year-old Ivorian attacker, which RB Leipzig has rejected, alongside a previous €100 million offer from Liverpool.
- Leipzig is reportedly seeking at least €120 million for Diomande, who scored 12 goals last season, despite his contract running until 2030 and no release clause, while PSG also remains interested.
RB Leipzig is bracing for the return of sought-after attacker Yan Diomande, who is expected at training alongside other World Cup participants. New coach Martín Demichelis adopted a relaxed stance on the 19-year-old Ivorian's future, stating, "He has a contract here. Everything else must be clarified by Marcel Schäfer." This marks a shift from the club's initial assertion that Diomande would stay.
The transfer saga surrounding Diomande remains dynamic. Reports suggest his agents are in agreement with both Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid. Real Madrid has reportedly made an initial offer, which RB Leipzig has rejected, according to dpa information. A previous offer of around €100 million from Liverpool was also reportedly turned down.
He has a contract here. Everything else must be clarified by Marcel Schäfer.
Sources indicate that Leipzig will only consider selling Diomande for at least €120 million. The versatile winger joined Leipzig a year ago for €20 million from CD Leganés. PSG is also actively pursuing the player, with reports indicating an agreement on contract terms until 2031. Diomande himself had expressed his expectation to leave the club during the World Cup.
Last season, Diomande scored 12 goals and provided nine assists in 33 Bundesliga appearances. RB Leipzig, aiming for Champions League qualification again, views keeping him as a key argument for his continued presence, at least for now.
I naturally assume that I will leave the club.
Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.