Real Madrid’s opening gambit for Yan Diomande has been batted away by RB Leipzig, who value the winger at well over €100million (£85m) and are braced for a bidding war that could reshape the summer transfer window.
The La Liga giants submitted a formal offer of €90m (£76m) plus €10m (£9m) in add-ons earlier this week, according to Fabrizio Romano, but Leipzig swiftly rejected it. German outlets suggest the Bundesliga club may demand as much as €120m (£102.5m) for the 21-year-old, who has already attracted interest from Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City.
“Real Madrid's £85m bid for Yan Diomande rejected; Leipzig demands over €100m.”
PSG remain in pole position to land Diomande – separate reports claim he has agreed personal terms with the French champions until 2031 – yet they have still to submit an official bid. His representatives are working urgently to force through a deal with PSG, anxious to prevent another suitor from hijacking the move. That pressure has intensified with Madrid now pushing, backed by Jose Mourinho’s personal endorsement; the Real Madrid boss has told the hierarchy he wants ‘even more speed’ in attack and regards Diomande as the ideal solution.
For Liverpool, the saga represents both a tantalising opportunity and a painful reminder of what they have lost. Mohamed Salah departed Anfield on 1 July after agreeing to end his contract 12 months early, leaving as a modern-day legend with 257 goals across all competitions. The Reds are exploring long-term replacements for the Egyptian, but it remains uncertain whether they will match Leipzig’s asking price. Andoni Iraola’s squad have already sealed a deal for Spain international Victor Munoz this summer and are now targeting additional attacking reinforcements.
Leipzig are eager to tie Diomande down to a new deal beyond 2030, but the winger himself has made his intentions clear. “I expect to leave the club,” he said, leaving little doubt that his future lies elsewhere.
With Arsenal and Manchester City monitoring closely, a full-blown bidding war may be looming – and whoever blinks first could land one of Europe’s most coveted attackers.