Real Madrid are pushing to complete the signing of RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande, with negotiations described as active but still short of a final agreement.
The Spanish club have moved into pole position for the 19-year-old Ivory Coast international, who had also been closely monitored by Paris Saint-Germain. Discussions between Real Madrid and RB Leipzig were renewed on Thursday but ended without a definitive deal in place, according to Sky Sport journalist Florian Plettenberg.
All parties are said to acknowledge that talks are ongoing and progressing, with Real determined to bring the transfer to a conclusion this week.
Talks to resume on Friday
Barring an unexpected late twist before midnight, the two clubs are expected to pick up negotiations again on Friday morning. The transfer remains a live and current issue, and Real Madrid’s hierarchy are reported to be making every effort to finalise the operation in the coming days.
There is, however, no indication yet that a breakthrough on a fee or structure has been reached, and no formal agreement has been announced.
Diomande protected as deal discussed
While discussions took place, Diomande stayed with RB Leipzig and was present at the club on Thursday. The teenager followed an adapted, individual training schedule designed to minimise any risk of injury that might jeopardise a potential move.
The approach reflects Leipzig’s desire to protect a major asset at a delicate stage of negotiations, while ensuring the player remains in a suitable physical condition should he either complete a transfer or continue the season in Germany.
Long contract and high valuation
Diomande is under contract with RB Leipzig until 30 June 2030, a long-term deal that strengthens the Bundesliga club’s bargaining position in talks with Real Madrid.
He currently earns €750,000 per year, equivalent to 487,500,000 CFA francs, and his market value is estimated at €90m. That figure underlines the scale of investment likely to be required from any club seeking to sign him.
No details have yet emerged regarding the size of any formal bid or the precise terms under discussion, and neither RB Leipzig nor Real Madrid have publicly commented on the negotiations.
PSG, who had been following Diomande “for some time”, are no longer considered the favourites in this transfer race, with Real Madrid now leading the chase as talks head into a crucial phase.
