Real Madrid bids for Leipzig's Diomande – Club rejects first offer

Diomande moved to Leipzig last summer from Spanish first-division relegated side CD Leganés for 20 million euros. In his first Bundesliga season, the winger, who can play on both the left and the right, scored 12 goals in 33 league games and also provided 9 assists. His contract in Leipzig runs until the summer of 2030 and contains no release clause, which further strengthens the Bundesliga club's negotiating position.

Asking price: at least 120 million euros

According to the available reports, Leipzig would only be willing to let the player go from a transfer fee of at least 120 million euros. This sum represents a clear threshold: it is above the amount that RB Leipzig is said to have previously refused from another European top club. Reportedly, the Saxons are also said to have rejected an offer from FC Liverpool of around 100 million euros.

PSG and Real Madrid: Agreements with the player's representatives

Real Madrid is not the only club to be casting an eye over Diomande. As the reports further state, the player's representatives have already agreed with Paris Saint-Germain on the basic terms of a contract running until 2031. In addition, there is now also said to be a basic agreement with Real Madrid. In both cases, according to the reports, these are preliminary understandings intended to make a transfer more likely.

Between Paris Saint-Germain and Red Bull, there is a well-cultivated relationship at the executive level. PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi is said to maintain good contacts with Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff, according to the available information. In January 2025, Al-Khelaifi and Mintzlaff negotiated the transfer of Xavi Simons from Paris Saint-Germain to Leipzig for 50 million euros — an example of direct understanding between the two clubs.

The fact that Diomande is on the market at all was publicly hinted at by the player himself during the FIFA World Cup in the USA. "I'm naturally assuming that I will leave the club," said the attacker at the time with reference to RB Leipzig. This caused annoyance at the club, especially as Diomande had played in the tournament for the Ivorian national team and had recently, at least indirectly, been putting pressure on his employer.

Return to squad training

Despite the transfer rumours, the player is expected to report for squad training and the mandatory fitness tests at RB Leipzig on Monday, together with other World Cup participants. The club is thus preparing for a season in which it will compete in the UEFA Champions League. Leipzig has also won a friendly match against FC Ingolstadt 1-0.

Real Madrid competes internationally in the premier competition and is regarded as the Spanish record champion — both factors that make the club attractive to young players. At the Royal club, Diomande is expected in a squad that is already stacked with international stars. Should the transfer go through, it would be one of the most prominent moves of a Bundesliga player this summer.

For RB Leipzig, a sale of the magnitude mentioned would be a record transfer. In its history, the club has so far attracted attention primarily through sales such as that of Xavi Simons. A departure of this dimension would be further proof of Leipzig's ability to develop young players and sell them profitably. At the same time, the club would lose a key performer for the upcoming Champions League season.

According to the available information, talks between the clubs are likely to focus initially on the size of the transfer fee. Since Diomande's contract contains no clause and still has four years to run, the leverage clearly lies with Leipzig. Should Real Madrid improve its offer, it would also remain open as to whether other clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain or Liverpool intensify their efforts for the player.

State of play ahead of the next negotiations

Parallel to the transfer negotiations, RB Leipzig is also facing a sporting reorientation. With Demichelis, an Argentine coach is taking over the team and, in Leipzig, faces the question of Ole Werner's legacy. The club has won the DFB-Pokal twice so far and is aiming for a strong role both nationally and internationally in the new season. Keeping Diomande would support the sporting plans; a sale would create financial room for other signings.

The next phase of negotiations is expected to begin in the coming days. Should Real Madrid increase its offer, it would remain to be seen whether, given the contractual situation with no release clause and Leipzig's clear asking price of at least 120 million euros, Leipzig would agree to a move. Until then, it remains open whether Diomande continues his career in Leipzig or takes the step to a European top club.

From the player's perspective, the signs are pointing to change anyway. The public announcement during the World Cup that he expected a club change has increased the pressure on the club. According to the reports, the player's representatives have already reached basic agreements with two top destinations. Whether and when a concrete transfer is completed now depends on the financial offer and on Leipzig's willingness to let their key player go.