Leipzig director dismisses Diomande to Real Madrid ‘done deal’ claims
Diomande transfer speculation continues
RB Leipzig managing director Marcel Schafer has publicly addressed reports concerning a potential transfer agreement for winger Yan Diomande to Real Madrid. Schafer refuted claims that a deal has been finalised, stating that such reports are "simply not the case." This comes after various media outlets and transfer experts suggested that an agreement had been reached between the clubs.
Despite the widespread speculation, Schafer clarified the status of negotiations during an interview with Sky Germany. He indicated that while dialogue may be ongoing, RB Leipzig has not yet given administrative approval for the transfer of the 19-year-old Ivory Coast international. Schafer added that the clubs are "not at that stage yet" regarding a completed deal.
Reports had previously indicated that Real Madrid was close to securing Diomande for a package that included a fixed fee and performance-related variables. However, Schafer’s comments provide a different perspective on the transfer saga, which has been a prominent topic in European sports news.
Player’s status and other transfer news
Yan Diomande recently returned to training at RB Leipzig’s pre-season camp in Saalfelden, Austria, after reporting in sick. His return signals a move towards normality for the player who has been at the centre of transfer discussions throughout the summer window. He had previously not travelled with the first-team squad to their training camp.
The young forward, who contributed 12 goals and eight assists in the Bundesliga last season, is understood to have verbally agreed to personal contract terms with Real Madrid. However, the clubs still need to resolve differences in their valuation of the player. There is also an ongoing dispute between his former and current agents that requires resolution.
In other transfer news, 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 Italian left-back Matteo Ruggeri, 24. Liverpool has also been linked with a move for Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio, 23, who was reportedly informed he could leave the La Liga club this summer.
Fulham is reportedly nearing the signing of Southampton and Northern Ireland midfielder Shea Charles, 22, for a reported £30m. Meanwhile, Trabzonspor is working to reunite Uruguay and Al-Hilal forward Darwin Nunez, 27, with former Liverpool team-mate, Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah, 34, at the Turkish club.
Aston Villa is preparing for a new bid from Arsenal for England defender Ezri Konsa, 28, while simultaneously attempting to agree a new contract to keep him at Villa Park. Real Madrid could also make French midfielders Aurelien Tchouameni, 26, and Eduardo Camavinga, 23, available to generate funds for the potential signing of Manchester City’s 30-year-old Spain midfielder Rodri. Hamburg is reportedly interested in bringing Belgian Leeds United defender Sebastiaan Bornauw, 27, back to the Bundesliga.
Leipzig’s upcoming season
Diomande’s return to training is seen as a significant boost for RB Leipzig as they prepare for the 2026-27 campaign under new head coach Martin Demichelis. His contributions were instrumental in the club’s return to the UEFA Champions League last season, where he made 33 league appearances.
The club’s competitive schedule for the 2026-27 season is approaching, with the DFB Cup first-round trip to Eintracht Trier scheduled for 22 August. This match will offer an initial look at Demichelis’s tactical approach and whether Diomande will be in the starting lineup after his recent illness.
Following the cup tie, RB Leipzig will host Borussia Monchengladbach in their Bundesliga opener at the Red Bull Arena a week later.
Source: bbc.co.uk
As NewsUK's Senior Football Correspondent, Thomas Beckwith reports on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side for readers across the country. He reported on three World Cups for a national news agency. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Sheffield Hallam University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Thomas lives in Sheffield, where he watches lower-league football most weekends. “Football writing is about the decisions, not just the result.”
