Leipzig's Schäfer says Diomandé deal with Madrid still uncertain

Leipzig sporting director Marcel Schäfer has told Germany that the rumored €100 million transfer of 19‑year‑old winger Yan Diomandé to Real Madrid is not yet finalised. The German club insists the agreement remains open, contradicting recent media reports. Schäfer’s comments come as the player’s future hangs in the balance.

Diomandé, an Ivory Coast international, has been a coveted target for the Spanish capital’s “Casa Blanca”. Reports over the past weeks suggested the deal was closed at more than €100 million, but Leipzig has not confirmed any figure.

In the interview, Schäfer dismissed press the transfer was already sealed and referenced Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano’s “Here We Go” announcement. He said the media narrative does not match the club’s current position.

“The deal is not closed. It’s simply not like that. We have not reached that stage yet,” Schäfer said. He added, “It is clear that some self‑proclaimed transfer experts reported a few days ago that the agreement was closed or gave the ‘here we go’. It simply is not so.”

Schäfer explained that negotiations stalled after Diomandé changed his agent following the World Cup. He stressed, “I don’t think a transfer will fall through because of that, if a transfer happens in the first place.” The agent switch, he said, is not expected to derail the move permanently.

Diomandé missed Leipzig’s recent friendly in Austria and did not travel with the squad for the pre‑season match against Leeds in England, citing illness. Coach Martín Demichelis commented, “I know it’s an important issue. Yan is really ill. We’ll see. I haven’t spoken to the doctor yet. If he’s healthy, he has to come with us. If he’s ill, then he’s ill.”

Born on 14 November 2006 in Abidjan, the winger has recorded 13 goals in 36 appearances for Leipzig. He was discovered via a Leganés video, sold to Leipzig for €20 million in mid‑2025, and has endured personal tragedy after his 15‑year‑old sister died in Côte d’Ivoire. The loss was publicly mourned by Diomandé in a heartfelt Instagram post during the World Cup.