Bayer Leverkusen has made another bold move in the transfer market, this time turning its attention to highly sought-after Ivorian winger Yan Diomande.
The German club, which has already bolstered its squad with several promising young players this summer, is now attempting to outbid RB Leipzig for the 18-year-old’s signature.
According to reports from the Spanish daily AS, Leverkusen’s interest in Diomande comes at a time when the player was widely expected to join Leipzig.
However, the Bundesliga giants’ plans have been complicated by Leverkusen’s willingness to offer a more lucrative deal, potentially disrupting Leipzig’s well-established negotiations.
Diomande, who currently plays for CD Leganés in Spain, had been edging closer to finalising a move to Leipzig. Despite this, Leverkusen has reportedly entered the fray with a stronger financial package in a bid to tempt both the player and Leganés.
The club’s strategy is said to involve matching, and possibly exceeding, the €20 million release clause placed on the winger by his current club, a sum that could see the transfer negotiations take a dramatic turn.
Leganés, keen to maximise the value of their young asset, has been leveraging interest from multiple clubs to ensure they get the best possible deal for the player.
The exact figure of Leverkusen’s offer remains undisclosed, but sources suggest it is in the ballpark of the €20 million release clause, which could complicate Leipzig’s pursuit of Diomande.
Despite Leverkusen’s attempts to steal a march on their Bundesliga rivals, sources indicate that Leipzig has already made significant headway in talks with Diomande.
The 18-year-old is understood to be in Germany finalising his move to the Red Bull Arena, with his transfer to Leipzig looking all but confirmed, barring any last-minute developments.
While Leverkusen’s interest has raised the stakes, it remains unclear whether the bidding war will affect the agreement that Leipzig has reportedly secured with Diomande.
The situation is fluid, and as the transfer window continues, there is still a chance for further twists, particularly if Leverkusen increases its offer.
Yan Diomande, who is under contract with Leganés until June 2027, is highly regarded for his potential. Last season, he made 10 appearances in La Liga, scoring 2 goals and contributing 1 assist.
His performances have caught the eye of several European clubs, with his ability to play as a left-winger making him an attractive prospect for teams looking to add depth and creativity to their attacking options.
Currently valued at €1.5 million by Transfermarkt, Diomande is seen as a player with significant upside.
His youth, combined with his raw talent, makes him a player with considerable room for development, and both Leverkusen and Leipzig will be eager to help him realise his potential.
As negotiations continue, all eyes will be on whether Diomande will indeed join Leipzig as expected or if Leverkusen can successfully lure him to the BayArena.
For now, the Ivorian international’s future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: his move this summer is bound to be one of the most talked-about transfers of the window.
