Real Madrid break bank to sign Yan Diomande on long-term deal from RB Leipzig
Real Madrid have completed a deal to bring highly rated Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande to the Santiago Bernabeu from RB Leipzig, the Spanish club confirmed on Thursday.
Although neither club revealed the financial terms, reports in Spain suggest the transfer package could rise to 125 million Euros (144.3 million US dollars), with an additional 10-15 million Euros tied to performance-related bonuses. If those figures prove accurate, Diomande would become the most expensive signing in Real Madrid’s history, eclipsing the fee paid for Jude Bellingham in 2023.
“Real Madrid and RB Leipzig have reached an agreement for the transfer of Yan Diomande, who will be under contract with our club for the next seven seasons, through June 30, 2033,” the LaLiga club said in a statement.
The 19-year-old enjoyed a stellar debut campaign in Germany, registering 12 Bundesliga goals and nine assists as Leipzig secured a third-place finish and qualified for next season’s UEFA Champions League.
Diomande only arrived at Leipzig from Spanish side Leganes last year but quickly established himself as one of Europe’s brightest young attackers. He also featured for Ivory Coast at the recent FIFA World Cup, where the African nation advanced to the Round of 32.
Diomande impressed during the World Cup, which made him reportedly a target of Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain among others.
The move continues Real Madrid’s squad overhaul under Jose Mourinho, who returned for a second stint as manager in June after the club endured a frustrating campaign. Los Blancos finished second behind Barcelona in LaLiga and were knocked out in the Champions League quarter-finals.
Ahead of the new season, Madrid have also strengthened their squad with the arrivals of Marc Cucurella, Bernardo Silva, Ibrahima Konate and Denzel Dumfries.
Madrid are also in the process of renewing the contract of Vinicius jr. and are in the race with Barcelona for Rodri’s signature.
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