RB Leipzig have turned down a €100m offer from Real Madrid for highly rated forward Yan Diomande, with the German club insisting they will only sell for a guaranteed fee in excess of that figure.
The Spanish giants submitted a proposal this week worth €90m up front plus €10m in performance-related add-ons as they move aggressively in the transfer market to secure the young talent.
Leipzig, however, are understood to have taken a firm stance, refusing to enter advanced talks on the basis of that structure and signalling that any deal would require a higher fixed amount before bonuses are considered.
PSG have agreement with Diomande – but not Leipzig
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Paris Saint-Germain have also been working on a move for Diomande in recent weeks and have already reached an agreement in principle with the player on personal terms.
Despite that breakthrough, PSG remain some distance from a deal with RB Leipzig, with negotiations between the two clubs described as slow and without a financial agreement so far.
The French champions now face direct competition from Real Madrid for the youngster, complicating their pursuit at a time when Leipzig’s valuation is proving difficult to meet.
Battle between European giants
Diomande is fully aware of the interest from both Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain and is following developments closely, conscious that he has become the focus of a major transfer battle between two of Europe’s most powerful clubs.
Real Madrid’s opening proposal was rejected out of hand, but talks between the Spanish club and Leipzig are expected to continue in the coming days, with no party considering the matter closed at this stage.
Leipzig’s refusal to accept the initial package has not discouraged Madrid, who are keen to test the German side’s resolve further as the window progresses.
Transfer race remains open
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While PSG maintain a strong position thanks to their agreement with Diomande on personal terms, their inability so far to satisfy Leipzig’s demands leaves the door open for Real Madrid or any other club prepared to match the asking price.
For now, Leipzig remain in control of the situation, under contract with a player they regard as one of the key assets in their squad and in no rush to sell unless their financial expectations are met.
With discussions set to continue and both Real Madrid and PSG still in contention, the race for Diomande’s signature is expected to remain one of the most closely watched sagas of the current transfer window.
