Real Madrid break transfer record to sign Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig
Madrid, Aug 6
Cote d'Ivoire international striker Yan Diomande has joined Real Madrid from RB Leipzig for a reported fee of around 130 million euros, making him the club's most expensive signing.
The 19-year-old, who impressed for Leipzig last season with 13 goals and nine assists before further enhancing his reputation at this summer's World Cup, has signed a seven-year contract with the club coached by Jose Mourinho.
"Real Madrid C.F. and RB Leipzig have reached an agreement for the transfer of player Yan Diomande, who will be linked to our club for the next seven seasons, until June 30, 2033," confirmed the club website on Thursday.
"Saying goodbye isn't easy for me," Diomande said in a video posted to Leipzig's X account. "When I came to Leipzig a year ago, many of you didn't know who I was, but the club trusted me from day one and gave me a chance to prove myself at this level.
"I will never forget my first goal in a Leipzig jersey, nor that unforgettable evening when I scored three goals against Eintracht Frankfurt. I will carry those moments in my heart forever."
Diomande is Real Madrid's fifth summer signing following Bernardo Silva, Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konate and Denzel Dumfries. His arrival gives Madrid a formidable attack featuring Kylian Mbappe, Silva and Vinicius Junior, although Vinicius has yet to agree an extension to his contract, which expires in June 2027, with Endrick, Rodrygo and Brahim Diaz providing further options, reports Xinhua.
Diomande's move completes a remarkable rise for the youngster, who joined Leganes' B team at the start of 2025 at the age of 17. He made 10 first-team appearances during the closing weeks of the season as the southern Madrid club was relegated to the Spanish second division.
Those performances persuaded RB Leipzig to pay around 20 million euros for Diomande in July 2025. Just over a year later, the German club has made a profit of more than 100 million euros on the player.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Leipzig made a smart business move here - bought him for 20 million and sold for 130 million just a year later. That's the kind of transfer strategy that keeps clubs sustainable. Though as a neutral fan, I hope the pressure of that price tag doesn't weigh him down at the Bernabeu.
Mourinho's Madrid with Mbappe, Silva, Vinicius and now Diomande? That's a FIFA career mode squad if I've ever seen one. But I'm curious about Vinicius's contract situation - if he doesn't extend, this could get messy. Anyway, exciting times for Los Blancos fans!
While the transfer fee is eye-watering, it's worth remembering that Madrid is essentially investing in potential. The kid scored a hat-trick against Frankfurt and then performed at the World Cup - that's not luck. The question is whether he can handle the immense pressure at one of the biggest clubs in the world.
It's heartwarming to see the player's emotional goodbye message to Leipzig - shows he's not just a mercenary chasing money. Football needs more players with loyalty and gratitude like that. Also, great scouting by Leipzig to find him at Leganes B. Indian clubs could learn a thing or two about grassroots scouting from this.
Respectfully, I think 130 million for a player with just one full season at top level is slightly overpriced. Even if he's incredibly promising, the market has gone crazy. But then again, Real Madrid don't usually make bad signings, and Mourinho knows how to
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