Yan Diomande, RB Leipzig star
Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images
Real Madrid had an eventful Thursday as they announced not only Vinicius Jr.’s contract renewal but also finalised and made the arrival of Yan Diomande official.
The RB Leipzig winger’s signing was announced after a long transfer saga, putting an end to all speculation and ensuring that Real Madrid receive the attacking boost that can take them to the next level.
In the process, Diomande became the most expensive signing in Real Madrid history as the club reportedly shelled out €140 million including variables for the transfer.
Taking to his Instagram after the official confirmation of his transfer to Real Madrid, Diomande penned a farewell letter to fans of the Bundesliga side where he explained why he prioritised a move to Real Madrid.
“I am incredibly grateful to RB Leipzig. The club and its management believed in me a year ago, even though I had only played a few professional matches at that point,” he began, praising Leipzig for their faith in him.
Yan Diomande, RB Leipzig star
Diomande has signed a deal until 2033. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
“They placed their trust in me and allowed me to prove myself at the highest level,” he added.
The new Real Madrid player then acknowledged the role Leipzig played in pushing him to the highest level for both club and country, saying,
“I was able to establish myself in one of Europe’s top leagues, earn my place in the Côte d’Ivoire national team and represent my country on the biggest stage of all, the FIFA World Cup.”
“None of this would have been possible without RB Leipzig, and for that I will always be grateful.”
Diomande then explained why he was moving to Real Madrid and how it has always been a dream of his.
“Moving to Real Madrid is a childhood dream come true for me. I am all the more grateful to the management at RB Leipzig for making this move possible despite my current contract.”
Yan Diomande, RB Leipzig star
Diomande has dreamt of Real Madrid for long. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)
Thanking the fans for their love, support and belief, the star winger said,
“To the fans, thank you for your incredible support from the very beginning. Your passion, your belief in me and your encouragement meant more than words can express.”
“I’ll always be grateful for the love you’ve shown me,” he added.
Towards the end of his letter, Diomande highlighted how he was excited for the chapter that lies ahead and what he hoped from the objective.
“Today, a new chapter begins. Leaving is never easy, but I’m excited for what’s ahead and I’ll always look back on my time in Leipzig with immense pride.”
“This club will always hold a special place in my heart, and I’ll continue to follow its journey closely. Who knows? Maybe we’ll meet one day again in the Champions League. Thank you for everything,” he concluded.
Rodri of Manchester City
Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images
In just over 24 hours, Real Madrid have completely slipped out of control of the Rodri operation that they had marked as a summer priority.
They were in pole position to land the midfielder and were in talks directly with Manchester City. The two parties were seemingly negotiating an agreement but Barcelona used the opportunity to swoop in.
All of a sudden, the Catalans have now leapfrogged Real Madrid in the race and reports have it that the player’s transfer to Barcelona is now very advanced. The player has reportedly chosen Catalonia over Madrid.
As relayed in a recent update, Rodri’s agent directly told El Larguero via Diario AS the reality of the situation, and where Real Madrid and Barcelona stood all along in the dynamic.
Rodri of Manchester City
Real Madrid made a massive effort for Rodri. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)
The agent conveyed that the Manchester City star was ‘genuinely grateful’ for the respect and interest Real Madrid showed in him over the past two weeks of negotiations.
He also said that everyone at the club, from the president to the staff and even the CEO, did everything possible to sign Rodri and that Real Madrid left no stone unturned. In fact, he confirmed that Los Blancos even submitted an ‘unrejectable’ offer.
Out of respect for Real Madrid, the player and his agent personally called the club administration last night to thank them for everything and inform them of the player’s decision to sign for another club. They wish to avoid any unnecessary drama.
While Real Madrid’s project offered a more prominent role to Rodri, it is completely understandable why he chose Barcelona over Los Blancos once the interest arrived.
Rodri, Spain and Manchester City player
The Barcelona-dominant Spain NT dressing room played a part in Rodri’s decision. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
For starters, his style of football would be more suited to the Catalans’ possession-dominant style, and the influence of Pep Guardiola will make the transition easier.
Further, the Barcelona dressing room is dominated by Spanish internationals, all of whom are close to Rodri and played a part in convincing him to join the Catalans.
Jose Mourinho is said to be furious at the development as he prioritised a new defensive midfielder this summer and saw Rodri as the perfect signing. It remains to be seen if Los Blancos push for any new midfielder after Rodri’s snub.