Real Madrid want Yan Diomande signed before he boards a plane to Austria.
The Spanish club has been pursuing the 19-year-old Ivorian winger from RB Leipzig for several weeks, and negotiations have now entered what those involved are describing as a decisive phase, according to journalist Florian Plettenberg. The club's objective is to finalize the deal quickly enough for Diomande to undergo his medical before Leipzig's preseason training camp begins in Austria, a timeline that has become central to the talks.
Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano had previously reported that Real Madrid and Leipzig had already reached an agreement, but the deal stalled and did not progress at the expected pace. Discussions have since intensified, with a growing sense of optimism that a final agreement can be reached. The next 24 hours, according to Yahoo Sports, are expected to be crucial.
The overall package is expected to reach close to 130 million euros including bonuses, a significant sum for a player who is still considered an emerging talent rather than an established star. Real Madrid have nonetheless made Diomande their top priority at this stage of the transfer window, setting aside discussions about other targets, including Manchester City's Rodri, until the Leipzig deal is resolved.
Manager Jose Mourinho has approved the move and is expected to deploy Diomande across multiple positions in a refreshed attacking lineup. The club views the teenager as one of Europe's brightest prospects following his breakthrough campaign in Germany. One former connection of Mourinho's, described as his former Leganes captain, has even suggested Diomande could surpass Barcelona's Lamine Yamal if he reaches his full potential.
Real Madrid's willingness to spend close to 130 million euros on an unproven teenager reflects the club's broader approach to building for the long term. Whether the deal gets done before Leipzig heads to Austria remains the central question of the next day.
