Leipzig deny Real Madrid agreement for Diomande
RB Leipzig managing director Marcel Schafer has firmly denied reports that the club have reached a transfer agreement with Real Madrid for Yan Diomande. The 19-year-old Ivory Coast international has been heavily linked with a major move to the Santiago Bernabeu, with reports suggesting Madrid were close to completing a record-breaking package. However, Schafer insists the public narrative surrounding the winger’s future is ahead of the reality of negotiations. Speaking to Sky Germany, the Leipzig executive stressed that the Bundesliga side have not yet approved a final deal.
Schafer also criticised the certainty with which parts of the transfer story have been reported on social media. “It’s clear that some so-called transfer experts reported a few days ago that the deal was done or gave it the ‘here we go.’ That’s simply not the case,” Schafer stated firmly. His comments directly challenge widespread claims that Real Madrid had already made a breakthrough with Leipzig. The managing director added that the club remain some distance from formally sanctioning Diomande’s departure.
Reported €132 million package still unresolved
The saga has drawn particular attention because of reports involving journalist Fabrizio Romano, who has maintained that an agreement for Diomande is in place. Romano reportedly gave the operation his familiar ‘here we go’ approval, with the proposed total package said to be worth €132 million. That figure is believed to include a €122m guaranteed payment and a further €10m in performance-related add-ons. Leipzig, though, have now publicly indicated that negotiations over valuation and payment structure have not been completed.
When asked how advanced the talks are, Schafer made clear that the final administrative stages are not yet underway. “We’re not at that stage yet,” the Leipzig managing director added. While dialogue may be continuing between the two European clubs, Leipzig’s approval remains essential before a transfer can be finalised. Madrid are understood to be keen to secure the forward as part of their long-term attacking plans.
Pre-season absence adds to speculation
Diomande’s recent absence from Leipzig’s pre-season programme has only intensified speculation around his future. The winger missed a friendly against SC Verl after reportedly calling in sick, before being left out of the travelling group for the first-team training camp in Austria. Those developments have fuelled suggestions that a move could still be close, despite Schafer’s denial of a completed agreement. Last season, Diomande emerged as one of the Bundesliga’s standout young players, producing 12 goals and eight assists.
Reports indicate that the player has already reached a verbal understanding on personal terms with Real Madrid. Even if Leipzig and Madrid eventually settle on a fee, the deal could face additional complications due to an ongoing dispute involving Diomande’s former and current representatives. For now, Leipzig’s position is clear: no final agreement has been reached.