Yan Diomande misses RB Leipzig test amid Real Madrid links

Yan Diomande has withdrawn from RB Leipzig’s test match against SC Verl at short notice, with the club saying an infection is the official reason.

The move comes as persistent reports continue to link the winger with Real Madrid, but Leipzig insist his absence is not related to the transfer talk.

According to the report, Diomande called in sick on Saturday morning, adding another layer of uncertainty around his situation. Even so, the wider understanding is that he is simply waiting for the last steps to be completed before heading to Spain and beginning the next chapter of his career.

Diomande joined RB Leipzig on July 16, 2025, after the club activated his €20 million release clause from CD Leganés and handed him a contract until June 30, 2030. Marcel Schäfer praised his pace, dribbling, athleticism and instinct for goal, while stressing that his growth in the Bundesliga should be handled gradually.

The Ivorian quickly made an impact in 2025/26, recording 14 Bundesliga appearances, six goals and three assists. His standout moment was a hat-trick in a 6-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt on December 6, 2025, a performance that underlined why Leipzig rated him so highly.