Former Premier League winger Max Gradel has filed a complaint to FIFA that has thrown Yan Diomande's reported £113million move to Real Madrid into doubt. The 19-year-old Ivory Coast international had agreed a club-record deal to join Real Madrid, but a legal dispute over representation rights has stalled the transfer.
Dispute Over Representation Rights
Real Madrid struck the deal with Roc Nation, the sports agency founded by Jay-Z, believing they were Diomande's sole representatives. However, Maxidel Management, headed by Gradel, has launched a lawsuit to FIFA alleging a breach of contract. Maxidel brokered Diomande's switch from Leganes to Leipzig last summer and maintain they hold his rights until he departs the German club.
The dispute has brought the deal to a grinding halt, despite Diomande previously being on the verge of signing a five-year contract at the Santiago Bernabeu. Real Madrid are reportedly furious, feeling misled by the lack of transparency throughout negotiations.
Club's Frustration
Ivorian journalist Malick Traore said: "Real Madrid are angry with Diomande's representatives at Roc Nation, after discovering that the player is still tied to a contract with other agents." The fury is aimed solely at Roc Nation, not at Diomande himself. Real Madrid now face a precarious predicament, as settling a commission with the incorrect agent could trigger severe sanctions from FIFA.
Gradel's Career
Gradel, 38, started his senior career at Leicester and made his breakthrough during the Foxes' League One title-winning season in 2008/09. He left Leicester in 2009 to join Leeds, first on loan and then permanently, playing a pivotal role in their promotion from League One. His standout Championship campaign saw him net 18 times in 41 appearances, earning a move to Saint-Etienne.
After four seasons in Ligue 1, he returned to England with Bournemouth, then played for Toulouse, Sivasspor and Gaziantep before becoming a football agent.
