Real Madrid have officially announced an agreement with RB Leipzig for the transfer of Yan Diomande, ending the long-running saga. The La Liga club confirmed the deal in a statement on Thursday, with the 19-year-old set to join for seven seasons until June 30, 2033.
Liverpool's earlier bid rejected
The transfer is reportedly worth up to £120m, significantly higher than Liverpool's rejected offer of £86m earlier this summer. The Reds had been heavily linked with the forward as a potential successor to Mohamed Salah, but their interest waned after Diomande favoured a move to Paris Saint-Germain at the end of June.
Liverpool have since withdrawn from the public conversation, but the Ivorian's switch to the Bernabeu could still have ramifications for their transfer plans.
Focus shifts to Barcola and Mbaye
Liverpool have held talks with PSG regarding a move for Bradley Barcola, with encouraging signals from the player's camp. Had Diomande joined PSG, it might have pushed Barcola closer to the exit door, but that need is now less pressing, though Barcola has still indicated he will not sign an extension to his contract expiring in 2028.
PSG are now pursuing Maghnes Akliouche and Mika Godts to bolster their attack, while RB Leipzig's reported interest in taking Ibrahim Mbaye as part of a Diomande deal has not materialised. Mbaye remains linked with a move away and is one of several options Liverpool are weighing up, though any pursuit is considered separate to their interest in Barcola.
Market implications
With RB Leipzig banking at least €125m from the Diomande sale, the impact on price-tags across the market remains to be seen, particularly with PSG's £145m valuation of Barcola proving problematic. Both Liverpool and PSG were left disappointed in their pursuit of Diomande, and now both clubs are waiting to see how their alternative options fall into place.
