Real Madrid’s pursuit of Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande remains on hold, with the difference in valuation between the Spanish giants and Bundesliga side RB Leipzig emerging as the principal obstacle to completing the transfer.
The 20-year-old has been strongly linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabéu in recent weeks, but no agreement has yet been reached despite continued negotiations between the two clubs.
According to the information available, Real Madrid have submitted what is described as a final offer worth around €130 million, while Leipzig are reportedly holding out for approximately €150 million before agreeing to sell one of their prized assets.
The financial gap comes as Diomande waits for clarity over his future after being withdrawn from Leipzig’s first-team activities to minimise the risk of injury while discussions continue.
The latest developments also come amid speculation that an off-field dispute involving the player’s representation could be complicating the transfer.
However, sources close to the negotiations indicate that the disagreement between agencies is not the reason why the deal has yet to be completed.
Instead, negotiations continue to centre on the transfer fee.
The proposed move has attracted significant attention across Africa, with Diomande regarded as one of Ivory Coast’s brightest emerging talents.
A switch to Real Madrid would represent one of the biggest transfers involving an African player in recent years and further underline the growing influence of African footballers at Europe’s elite clubs.
Questions had arisen after Maxidel, the agency owned by former Ivory Coast international Max-Alain Gradel, reportedly filed a complaint with FIFA following Diomande’s switch to Roc Nation as his new representatives.
Maxidel is said to have challenged the change in representation, while Roc Nation rejected the allegations in a public statement.
Despite the legal dispute, Leipzig insist the issue has had no bearing on the ongoing transfer discussions.
Speaking to Sky Germany, RB Leipzig sporting director Marcel Schäfer dismissed suggestions that disagreements between the agencies could prevent a deal from being concluded.
“From my point of view, it’s a definite no. I have no knowledge of it. Our contact is now Roc Nation, as Yan clearly indicated to us. I don’t think a transfer would fall through for that reason, if a transfer were to happen.”
His comments reinforce the position that negotiations remain focused on financial terms rather than legal or administrative matters involving the player’s representatives.
Diomande remains under contract with RB Leipzig until June 2030, placing the German club in a strong negotiating position as they seek to maximise the value of one of their most highly-rated players.
Transfermarkt currently values the Ivory Coast international at €90 million, although Leipzig’s reported asking price is considerably higher.
The winger is also reported to earn an annual salary of €750,000 in Germany.
For Real Madrid, agreeing a fee with Leipzig now appears to be the final challenge if they are to secure Diomande’s signature.
The Spanish club have yet to announce any breakthrough, while Leipzig continue to stand firm over their valuation.
Although negotiations remain unresolved, optimism reportedly persists within the player’s camp that an agreement can eventually be reached.
