English Premier League
RB Leipzig confirm Yan Diomande absence as Real Madrid talks continue
RB Leipzig have confirmed that young Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande will miss their pre-season training camp in Saalfelden, Austria, because of an infection, as negotiations over a possible move to Real Madrid continue.
The Bundesliga club said Diomande had not travelled with the squad but would join his team-mates once he had recovered. His absence comes amid ongoing discussions between Leipzig and Real Madrid over a transfer during the current summer window.
Norway international Antonio Nusa is also set to arrive later, with the winger scheduled to join the camp in the middle of next week after completing his holiday.
Goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi was another absentee from the travelling party. Leipzig said the Hungary international was not included because he is in talks with another club.
Diomande’s situation has attracted particular attention because Real Madrid are continuing to push for an agreement. Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sport Germany previously reported that the Spanish club were seeking to complete the deal over the weekend.
The player is understood to be keen on a move to the Santiago Bernabeu, while talks between the two clubs remain under way.
Leipzig head coach Martin Demichelis was asked by Sky Sport Germany whether Diomande would travel with the squad after reports emerged that the player was unwell.
The question put to Demichelis was: “Yan Diomande is sick. You will fly to the training camp at 5:00pm. Will Diomande travel with the team? Is that the plan?”
Demichelis replied: “I know it is a big topic. Yan is really sick. We will see. I have not spoken to the doctor yet. If he is healthy, he should come with us. If he is sick, he is sick.”
The coach’s comments came before Leipzig issued their formal update confirming that Diomande would remain behind while he recovers.
Real Madrid’s interest has developed during a summer of continued negotiations with Leipzig, with the player’s preference for a move to the Spanish capital adding to the focus on the proposed transfer. However, no agreement between the clubs has been confirmed, and discussions are still ongoing.
For now, Diomande’s immediate priority is his recovery from the infection. Leipzig have indicated that he will link up with the squad in Austria once he is fit, while Nusa’s delayed arrival and Gulacsi’s talks with another club mean Demichelis will begin the camp without three members of his squad.
