Real Madrid are closing in on the signing of RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande in a deal worth around €120m including add-ons, with the 19-year-old Ivory Coast international having given the green light to a move to the Bernabeu.
According to French transfer outlet Foot Mercato, the Spanish champions’ second bid for Diomande is now on course to be accepted, after Leipzig rejected an initial offer of €100m in recent hours.
The same report says officials from both clubs are currently working on the final details of an agreement that would see the total package reach close to €120m, while the player has already approved the transfer and is keen to join Real Madrid in the Spanish capital.
Confidence grows in Madrid camp
English journalist Ben Jacobs reported on X that Real Madrid have stepped up their talks with Diomande and now feel increasingly confident of striking a final agreement in the near future.
Real Madrid view Diomande as an attacker capable of offering several options across the front line, with his pace and ability to operate on either flank seen as key assets that can change the tempo of their attacking play.
The teenager’s versatility and speed are understood to be central to the club’s belief that he can add a different dimension to their forward line next season.
Mourinho’s request shapes transfer strategy
Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho is reported to have specifically requested an attacking reinforcement with greater pace, a profile that has pushed Diomande towards the top of the club’s shortlist.
The forward, who has emerged as one of Leipzig’s most highly rated young players, is seen within the club as fitting that brief, combining acceleration, dribbling and flexibility in the final third.
PSG move breaks down over fee
Diomande had previously looked set for a move to Paris Saint-Germain, who were considered the favourites for his signature after reaching an initial agreement with the player.
However, those negotiations with PSG stalled when no deal could be reached with RB Leipzig, who were holding out for a fee between €120m and €130m and were also keen to retain the player on loan for an additional season.
Faced with those conditions, the French champions chose to pull out of talks, deciding against paying what they viewed as an inflated price to complete the transfer under Leipzig’s terms.
Madrid operate quietly amid Bundesliga focus
While PSG stepped away, Real Madrid moved more discreetly in recent days, taking advantage of the media attention in Germany surrounding Bayern Munich’s pursuit of Michael Olise.
The Spanish club used that backdrop to conduct their business in relative calm, working in Germany to advance negotiations with RB Leipzig over Diomande while the spotlight was largely elsewhere.
Those discussions have now brought Real Madrid to the verge of a second major offer being accepted, with all parties expecting talks to continue as they aim to finalise one of the biggest deals of the summer window.
