Yan Diomande’s anticipated move to Paris Saint-Germain has been thrown into doubt after Jose Mourinho personally intervened to try to take the RB Leipzig winger to Real Madrid instead.
The 19-year-old Ivory Coast international had reached a verbal agreement over a five-year contract with PSG and appeared on course to join the French champions this summer.
However, according to Ivoirezine, new Real Madrid head coach Mourinho has spoken directly to Diomande by phone, making clear his admiration for the teenager and his desire to work with him in Madrid.
That conversation is understood to have unsettled Diomande, who is now reconsidering his plans despite having already given PSG his word.
Real Madrid table official bid
While Diomande weighs up his options, the transfer battle between PSG and Real Madrid has intensified.
RB Leipzig are holding out for a fee of €120m for the winger, a valuation that has so far made PSG reluctant to conclude a deal. The Paris club has yet to meet that asking price and is hesitating over committing such a sum.
Real Madrid, by contrast, have formally stepped in. The Spanish giants have submitted an official offer of €115m, which is now being examined by the Bundesliga club’s hierarchy.
Leipzig’s stance has not changed publicly, but the size of Madrid’s bid brings it close to their demands and raises the prospect of a direct contest between the two European heavyweights for one of the most highly rated young wide players in Europe.
Player in Paris as decision looms
Amid the negotiations, Diomande has travelled to Paris in recent hours. He is understood to be awaiting the outcome of discussions between Leipzig and the two suitors before making a final decision on his future.
Diomande remains under contract with RB Leipzig until 30 June 2030, putting the German club in a strong position in talks. His long-term deal means Leipzig are under no immediate pressure to sell and can insist on their valuation.
The forward’s market value is currently listed at €90m on Transfermarkt, meaning Leipzig are seeking a premium above that benchmark in any transfer.
In Germany, Diomande earns an annual salary of €750,000, equivalent to 487,500,000 FCFA, a figure likely to rise significantly should he complete a move to either PSG or Real Madrid.
For now, Leipzig must decide whether Real Madrid’s €115m proposal is sufficient, while PSG face the prospect of not only matching the Germans’ financial expectations but also overcoming the impact of Mourinho’s direct pitch to the player.
