According to a report from Diario AS, Yan Diomande, a winger from RB Leipzig and the Ivory Coast, is poised to become Real Madrid‘s fifth summer signing, although he may not be the last. The two clubs are in active negotiations for the teenager, while PSG has officially withdrawn from the chase after a £102.5m bid was rejected.
Diomande Deal Nearing, Inspired by Bellingham’s Contract
Per BBC Sport, the 19-year-old has reached an agreement on personal terms with Madrid, which exceeds £100m, featuring a performance-incentivized structure akin to that of Jude Bellingham – improving progressively as targets are achieved. Real’s key negotiators, José Ángel and Juni Calafat, have been monitoring Diomande for about five years, ever since before his impressive World Cup performances this summer.
Diomande previously spent the 2024-25 season at Leganés in Spain before linking up with Leipzig on a five-year contract. At Leipzig, he notched 12 goals and provided eight assists in the Bundesliga last season, earning him the league’s Young Player of the Season award. Journalist Fabrizio Romano has reported that Mourinho is already strategizing on how Diomande can be integrated into Madrid’s attacking line, envisioning him playing on either wing. Mourinho primarily sees Diomande as a right winger but is also eager to utilize his skills on the left when necessary, especially if Vinícius Júnior is not available.
Rodri Rumors Develop, But No Negotiations Yet
In addition to Diomande’s situation, there is increasing speculation around Rodri. Diario AS reports that there has been no solid progress regarding the Manchester City midfielder’s potential move to LaLiga, with Madrid identified as his top choice. What was a firm rejection from Madrid executives weeks ago has recently softened, as the transfer window remains open until September. However, while discussions are not active at the moment, some voices within the club are advocating for a move, but they have yet to gain the necessary support to initiate talks. Additionally, Madrid would need to offload players before registering any new midfielders.
Upcoming Departures Before Transfer Window Closes
The arrival of Bernardo Silva has added depth to an already crowded midfield without prompting any exits. Besides Dani Ceballos‘s permanent departure, the only midfield update has been Aurélien Tchouaméni’s contract extension, leaving the squad composition largely unsettled. Players like Gonzalo García and Franco Mastantuono are anticipated to depart soon, with one moving permanently and the other on loan. Meanwhile, Jorge Mendes is actively seeking a new club for centre-back Raúl Asencio. In contrast, Brahim Díaz and Eduardo Camavinga have expressed their desire to stay put.
Attention also shifts to Vinícius Júnior, as decisions regarding his future loom. The Brazilian is expected back in Madrid shortly, and club officials at Valdebebas are eager to come to a quick conclusion about whether he will remain with the team or move on. Allowing his contract situation to linger as it approaches its conclusion goes against the club’s preferred strategy.