RB Leipzig managing director Marcel Schafer has publicly addressed reports concerning a potential transfer agreement for winger Yan Diomande with Real Madrid. Schafer stated that claims of a finalised deal are not accurate, despite widespread media speculation.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano had previously indicated that an agreement between Real Madrid and RB Leipzig was in place for the 19-year-old Ivory Coast international. However, Schafer, speaking to Sky Germany, clarified the situation, asserting that the clubs have not yet reached an agreement.
Schafer directly refuted the notion that the deal was done, stating, “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.” He further added, “We’re not at that stage yet.”
Diomande’s Training Return and Transfer Context
Diomande recently returned to RB Leipzig‘s pre-season training camp in Saalfelden, Austria, after initially reporting in sick and not travelling with the squad. His return to training follows a period where he had sat out a pre-season friendly against SC Verl.
The young forward, who contributed 12 goals and eight assists in the Bundesliga last season, is understood to be keen on joining Real Madrid. However, Schafer’s comments confirm that administrative approval from RB Leipzig is still pending, and the clubs need to resolve valuation differences. There is also a reported dispute between Diomande’s former and current agents that requires resolution.
Media outlets had suggested that Real Madrid was close to completing a transfer for a package potentially totalling €132 million, including a €122 million fixed fee and €10 million in performance-related variables. Despite these reports, Schafer maintains that no agreement has been reached.
Other Transfer Speculations
In other transfer news, Real Madrid is reported to have reached an agreement worth up to 140m euros (£120m) with RB Leipzig for the signing of Yan Diomande, according to one report. This follows lengthy negotiations for the 19-year-old winger.
Liverpool is exploring a potential move for 18-year-old Paris St-Germain and Senegal winger Ibrahim Mbaye. Additionally, Aston Villa has reportedly reached an agreement with Atletico Madrid for 24-year-old Italian left-back Matteo Ruggeri.
Liverpool has also been linked with a possible move for 23-year-old Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio, who was informed he could leave the La Liga club this summer. Fulham is reportedly nearing the signing of 22-year-old Southampton and Northern Ireland midfielder Shea Charles, valued at £30m.
Trabzonspor is working towards reuniting 27-year-old Uruguay and Al-Hilal forward Darwin Nunez with 34-year-old Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah at the Turkish club. Aston Villa is preparing for a new bid from Arsenal for 28-year-old England defender Ezri Konsa, while trying to agree on a new contract to keep him at Villa Park.
Real Madrid could make 26-year-old French midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni and 23-year-old Eduardo Camavinga available to free up funds. This move would potentially allow them to sign 30-year-old Spain midfielder Rodri from Manchester City. Hamburg is interested in bringing 27-year-old Belgian Leeds United defender Sebastiaan Bornauw back to the Bundesliga.
The transfer window continues to be active as clubs navigate negotiations for various players.
Source: bbc.com
Adam Rutherford is a Senior Football Correspondent at News-UK. He spent his early career filing match reports across the North West. He focuses on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Manchester Metropolitan University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Manchester, he coaches a youth team and watches grassroots football. “Every transfer window hides a dozen real stories.”
