RB Leipzig deny agreement with Real Madrid over Yan Diomande transfer

RB Leipzig sporting director Marcel Schäfer has dismissed reports that the Bundesliga club has reached an agreement with Real Madrid over the transfer of Ivory Coast forward Yan Diomande.

Speculation surrounding the teenager’s future intensified after he missed Leipzig’s trip to Austria last weekend because of illness, fuelling fresh rumours of an imminent move to the Spanish giants.

However, Schäfer insists negotiations have not yet reached the stage where a deal can be considered complete.

“It’s clear that some so-called experts in the transfer market reported a few days ago that the deal was done or that the green light had been given. That’s simply not the case. We haven’t reached that stage yet.”

Leipzig cool speculation over Madrid move

Diomande returned to Leipzig training last Monday after spending his post-World Cup holiday in Abidjan.

The 19-year-old underwent medical tests before taking part in part of a training session that was open to both supporters and the media.

Despite ongoing reports linking him with Real Madrid, the forward continued to train separately from the main squad during parts of the week and did not fully participate in all sessions.

Leipzig’s cautious approach has prompted suggestions that the club is keen to avoid any injury that could complicate a potential transfer.

The Ivorian has yet to train under head coach Martín Demichelis since returning from his break.

Agent dispute adds fresh uncertainty

Schäfer also addressed the controversy surrounding the player’s representation, confirming that Diomande recently changed agents.

“There has been a change in player agents. Our contact is now Rock Nation, and this is what Jan made clear to us definitively. I don’t think a transfer deal will fall through because of this, if a transfer even happens in the first place.”

The situation has become more complicated following reports of a legal dispute between Roc Nation and Maxidel Management, Diomande’s former agency.

According to reports in Spain, Maxidel has filed a complaint over commission payments linked to the transfer, with the matter now under review by FIFA.

Real Madrid waiting for resolution

Spanish newspaper Marca reports that the disagreement between the two agencies has become an additional obstacle in negotiations between Leipzig and Real Madrid.

The Spanish club are said to have negotiated with Roc Nation, the agency owned by rapper Jay-Z, which also represents players such as Vinicius Junior and Endrick.

However, reports claim Real Madrid were unaware of the legal dispute involving Maxidel, headed by former Ivory Coast international Max Gradel.

For now, Leipzig insist no final agreement has been reached, while uncertainty over both the transfer negotiations and the agency dispute continues to cast doubt over Diomande’s future.