Leipzig turn to Lyon’s Malick Fofana as Yan Diomande’s departure reshapes their attack

RB Leipzig are considering Olympique Lyonnais winger Malick Fofana as a possible attacking replacement for Yan Diomande, whose move to Real Madrid has now been officially announced.

No concrete offer has yet been made for Belgium international Fofana. However, Leipzig are understood to be ready to explore alternatives following Diomande’s departure, while Olympique Lyonnais would be willing to co-operate with a deal for the 21-year-old.

Fofana is viewed as an option to strengthen Leipzig’s attack as the German club prepares for life without Diomande. His current market value is estimated at €30m.

The interest comes after Diomande’s transfer to Real Madrid was confirmed. Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool and Arsenal had all been mentioned among the clubs monitoring the Ivory Coast international, but Real Madrid have ultimately secured his signature.

A fee of at least €140m has been reported for Diomande, who enhanced his reputation with his performances at the World Cup. Leipzig are therefore planning for the future without their winger and have already identified Fofana as a potential target.

Fofana’s profile makes him a candidate to fill the attacking role left by Diomande. He is also an international with Belgium, although Leipzig have not yet submitted a formal proposal for his services.

Any transfer would depend on discussions with Olympique Lyonnais, who are prepared to work with Leipzig on a possible move. The French club’s willingness to co-operate gives the German side a route to investigate the deal, but there has been no concrete offer so far.

For Leipzig, the priority is to maintain their attacking options after the sale of a player whose performances attracted attention from several leading European clubs. Diomande’s move to Real Madrid has brought that succession planning into focus, with Fofana now emerging as one of the names under consideration.

The reported €30m valuation for Fofana provides an indication of the scale of the potential transfer, although the current information does not include an agreed fee or confirmation that negotiations have begun. Leipzig’s interest remains at the stage of identifying and assessing a possible replacement.

Fofana would therefore represent the club’s leading option mentioned so far for reinforcing the attack after Diomande’s exit, while Olympique Lyonnais remain open to discussing a transfer.