RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande will not travel with the squad to their pre-season training camp in Austria, as reports continue to link the 19-year-old with a move to Real Madrid.
Diomande remains under contract with Leipzig, but his absence from the camp in Saalfelden comes at a time when negotiations over a possible transfer to the Spanish club are reportedly approaching a crucial stage.
The Ivory Coast international was reported sick on Saturday and was subsequently left out of Leipzig’s friendly against SC Verl, which the German side won 4-0.
Sky Germany reported that Diomande would not make the trip to Austria. Leipzig later explained that the winger was suffering from an infection.
Manager Martín Demichelis also played down suggestions that the player’s absence was connected to a possible transfer, insisting after the victory over Verl that he was “genuinely ill”.
Demichelis was asked whether Diomande would join the team at the training camp after Leipzig’s departure was scheduled for 17:00 local time.
In response, the Leipzig manager said: “I know it’s a big topic. Yan is genuinely ill.…”
The situation means Diomande’s absence cannot currently be regarded as confirmation that he is leaving Leipzig.
However, the winger’s future remains the subject of significant speculation because of reported interest from Real Madrid.
The Spanish club are understood to have made several attempts to sign Diomande, with one reported offer believed to have been worth €100m rejected by Leipzig.
The German club are reportedly seeking at least €120m for the teenager, with the eventual figure potentially rising further if bonuses are included.
Diomande is thought to favour a move to Real Madrid, although negotiations have not yet produced a final agreement between the clubs.
His absence from Leipzig’s training camp could give the two sides additional time to continue discussions while the German club prepares for the new season.
Diomande’s growing reputation follows an impressive first Bundesliga campaign.
The former Leganés player appeared in 33 league matches last season, scoring 12 goals and creating eight assists. He played 2,476 minutes in total, meaning he directly contributed to a goal approximately every 124 minutes.
His performances have also had a major impact on his valuation.
Diomande’s current market value is estimated at €90m, representing a substantial increase from the €20m figure associated with his arrival at Leipzig in 2025.
That rise means Leipzig could potentially make a significant profit if they agree a deal for the teenager.
The German club have further reason to retain their focus on preparations for the new campaign. Leipzig finished third in the Bundesliga last season with 65 points.
They scored 66 goals and conceded 47 as they secured a place directly in the UEFA Champions League group stage.
The qualification marks a return to European competition for Leipzig after the club failed to qualify for any continental tournament the previous season.
For now, Diomande remains a Leipzig player, with his reported illness providing the official explanation for his absence from the Austrian camp.
But with Real Madrid continuing to pursue the highly rated winger and Leipzig reportedly holding out for a fee of at least €120m, the teenager’s future remains one of the major transfer stories surrounding the German club.
