Real Madrid breaks club record with $133 million signing of striker Yan Diomande

Real Madrid has shattered its club transfer record by securing the signing of highly-rated striker Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig for a staggering fee of approximately $133 million (RM637 million). This landmark deal makes Diomande the most expensive signing in the club's history, surpassing the previous record held by Jude Bellingham.

The agreement with RB Leipzig was finalized after weeks of negotiations, fending off competition from clubs like Paris Saint-Germain. Real Madrid is set to pay an initial transfer fee of around $124 million (RM592 million), with an additional $10 million (RM47.4 million) in performance-related bonuses. Leganes will also receive a 5% sell-on clause from the transfer fee.

Diomande, who has impressed since joining Leipzig, is expected to sign a contract until 2031. At 19 years old, he is also poised to become the most expensive African player in history, eclipsing Nicolas Pepe's 2019 transfer to Arsenal. His arrival is not anticipated to jeopardize the future of Brazilian star Vinícius Junior at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid is actively working to secure Vinícius Junior's long-term future. Representatives from Roc Nation, Vinícius's agency, reportedly met with Real Madrid management to discuss a new contract. This comes as Arsenal is said to be closely monitoring the situation, reportedly willing to offer over $115 million (RM551 million) for the winger, whose current contract has less than a year remaining. Despite earlier reports of Vinícius rejecting a new offer, sources indicate he is now considering a more lucrative proposal that nears his desired salary of approximately $30 million (RM142 million) per season.