RB Leipzig's Managing Director Marcel Schafer has firmly denied recent claims that a transfer agreement has been finalised with Real Madrid for winger Yan Diomande. The 19-year-old Ivory Coast international has been the subject of intense speculation over the past week, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano suggesting that the operation had been agreed between the two clubs.
Schafer spoke to Sky Germany, explicitly refuting the claims that the deal was done. "It's clear that some so-called transfer experts reported a few days ago that the deal was done or gave it the 'here we go.' That's simply not the case," Schafer stated firmly. He added that the club was not at the stage of granting administrative approval, leaving the transfer talks still in limbo.
Multiple media outlets had previously suggested that Real Madrid were on the verge of completing the transfer for a package totaling €132 million, comprising a €122 million fixed fee and €10 million in performance-related variables. However, Schafer's statement confirms that while dialogue may be occurring, RB Leipzig have not yet granted their approval.
Diomande's current status with the club remains fluid, as he recently sat out Leipzig's pre-season friendly against SC Verl after formally reporting in sick. He also did not travel with the rest of the first-team squad to their active training camp in Austria. While Diomande is understood to have already verbally agreed to personal contract terms with Real Madrid, the clubs must still resolve their valuation differences.
Real Madrid's management, led by president Florentino Perez, remains keen on securing the player for head coach Jose Mourinho. However, the deal continues to hang in the balance, with the two clubs still in talks. The dispute between Diomande's former and current agents also needs to be resolved before a potential transfer can be completed.
As the summer transfer window approaches its final weeks, the situation surrounding Diomande remains highly fluid. It remains to be seen whether RB Leipzig will eventually grant their approval for the transfer, or if the deal will ultimately fall through.
Source: Yahoo Sports