Diomande plays it safe as Real Madrid push to close major transfer from RB Leipzig

Real Madrid are continuing talks with RB Leipzig over the signing of Ivory Coast winger Jan Diomande, with negotiations still short of a final agreement despite intensified contact between the two clubs.

German journalist Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sport Germany reported that “there is still no final agreement between Real Madrid and Leipzig regarding Jan Diomande, after new negotiations today”.

He added that this position “has been confirmed by all parties involved”, and that unless something “extraordinary” happens before midnight, discussions are expected to resume on Thursday morning.

Deal remains alive as Madrid aim to wrap up move this week

Despite the lack of a breakthrough so far, the proposed transfer is described as very much alive, with Real Madrid pushing to complete the signing before the end of this week.

Diomande was at RB Leipzig’s facilities on Wednesday and took part in a managed training session, with his workload deliberately controlled. The intention, according to the same report, was to minimise any risk of injury that could jeopardise the move to the Bernabeu.

Real Madrid are understood to be keen to accelerate the process in the coming days, but all sides accept that key details still need to be agreed before any deal can be finalised.

Rising Ivorian talent attracting Europe’s elite

Diomande, 19, plays primarily as a winger and joined RB Leipzig in the summer of 2025 from Spanish side Leganes. He went on to enjoy an eye-catching campaign in the Bundesliga, which has significantly raised his profile across Europe.

His performances for the German club have prompted Real Madrid’s sustained interest, but the Spanish giants are not alone in the race.

Paris Saint-Germain are also competing for his signature, while Liverpool and Manchester City have both been credited with an interest in the Ivory Coast international.

Leipzig, who have built a reputation for developing young talent and selling at a premium, are in a strong position as negotiations continue with several of Europe’s leading clubs monitoring the situation.

Talks to continue after latest round

While no figures or contract details have yet been made public, the current state of play leaves all options open: Real Madrid remain in pole position in terms of effort and urgency, but PSG’s involvement and the potential interest from Liverpool and Manchester City ensure that Leipzig retain leverage.

For now, Diomande continues to train under controlled conditions with RB Leipzig, as all parties work towards a solution. Discussions are set to pick up again on Thursday, with Real Madrid hoping that this next round of talks will finally deliver a breakthrough in one of this window’s most closely watched moves.