Yan Diomande, RB Leipzig star
Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images
The Yan Diomande saga has been ongoing for far too long now, and Real Madrid’s negotiations with RB Leipzig have seemingly dragged on much longer than expected.
After weeks of deliberation and discussions despite having a preliminary understanding, the two clubs are now nearing the official agreement.
For the first time now, there is a pulse that Real Madrid’s official announcement regarding Diomande is just around the corner with an agreement finally in place.
As reported by Fabrizio Romano in a recent update, the winger is already on his way to Madrid as matters stand to complete his official signing as a new Real Madrid player.
Yan Diomande of RB Leipzig
On his way to Madrid. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
He will land in the Spanish capital this afternoon after which he will likely immediately travel to the club facilities to finalise his arrival and put pen to paper. The official statement is expected soon as well.
The agreed fee is said to be around €125 million as a fixed fee and an additional €10 million to €15 million in add ons. He will become Real Madrid’s most expensive signing once the deal is made official.
The news of Diomande’s confirmed arrival comes at a time when Vinicius Jr.’s contract renewal also appears closed, meaning that he will not be tasked with the need to replace the Brazilian.
Yan Diomande, Ivory Coast and RB Leipzig player
The official announcement is expected soon. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
Instead, all signs point to the winger sharing the field with Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr to form a special trident in the final third – one that could potentially shape the club’s future.
As a pacey menace on the flank, Diomande will perfectly suit Jose Mourinho’s counter-attacking system and be a big asset for the club given how they have suffered without a natural right-winger for a long time.
He will, however, arrive with massive pressure on his shoulders given the expectations set by the transfer fee, especially given that he is arriving in a department that has plagued the club in recent years.
That, needless to say, will be the real test of fire for Diomande and he will look to link up with the manager in pre-season immediately to get started.
Rodri of Manchester City
Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images
According to journalist Rodra, Real Madrid are starting to believe that Manchester City midfielder Rodri might not join the club this summer, with Barcelona now taking the lead in the race for the Spaniard.
A deal appeared to be on the track for a while now, with personal terms also agreed and talks taking place with Manchester City.
But, Barcelona’s entry into the picture, coupled with Real Madrid’s failure to offload one of their current players have turned the tables.
The Spanish giants have seen their primary plan to push for the deal collapse after French midfielder Eduardo Camavinga firmly refused to leave the Santiago Bernabeu.
Eduardo Camavinga of Real Madrid
Refusing to leave. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
Real Madrid’s executive board, led by Florentino Perez, had constructed a clear financial roadmap to secure the 30-year-old Spain international.
The club’s explicit plan relied on selling Camavinga during the current window to free up the space in the squad required to accommodate Rodri in the squad.
However, Camavinga has completely rejected any possibility of a summer departure. The 23-year-old midfielder made his stance clear to club directors, stating his desire to stay under head coach Jose Mourinho.
This refusal has left Real Madrid’s management unable to proceed in their efforts to sign Rodri, leading to the negotiations between the two clubs to stall.
Real Madrid’s internal complications have opened the door for fierce rivals Barcelona. Barcelona have made rapid progress over the last few hours, opening active negotiations with both Manchester City and Rodri’s representatives.
Rodri of Manchester City
Slipping away (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
The Catalan club is prepared to match the transfer fees discussed by Madrid, turning the race into a direct boardroom battle.
While Rodri had reached an agreement on personal contract terms with Real Madrid days ago, the standstill in Madrid has forced him to look at other options.
Furthermore, several of his Spanish national team teammates at Barcelona have been contacting him daily, trying to get him to change his mind and anchor Hansi Flick’s midfield instead.
With Real Madrid unable to finalize their move due to Camavinga’s stance, the club’s confidence has taken a significant hit, leaving the final decision entirely up to the player.