Real Madrid’s pursuit of Yan Diomande hits a standstill as RB Leipzig pushes back on transfer rumors
Leipzig sporting director Marcel Schäfer has clarified Diomande’s situation at the German club: “Some said the deal was closed. That’s simply not true”.
Yan Diomande has become one of the headline names of the summer transfer window — and his potential move to Real Madrid is turning into a full‑blown saga. The deal now involves multiple actors who could stretch negotiations between the player and the Spanish club, while RB Leipzig waits patiently in the middle of it all. The German side has even responded publicly through its sporting director.
Marcel Schäfer broke down the situation for Sky Sports Germany, pushing back on the idea that the transfer is already done. “Some self‑proclaimed transfer experts said a few days ago that the deal was closed or gave it a ‘Here we go.’ That’s simply not true. We’re not at that stage yet,” he said.
The transfer has moved through several phases, but Diomande’s representatives have also played a role in slowing things down. Schäfer explained that any dispute involving the player’s agent won’t derail the deal.
“That cannot cause the Diomande transfer to collapse. It’s a hard no,” he emphasized.
Schäfer also confirmed that Leipzig is still in direct contact with the player’s camp, despite recent changes behind the scenes. “There’s been a change of agents. Our point of contact now is Roc Nation… I don’t think a transfer falls apart because of that — assuming there even is a transfer in the first place.”
His comments leave the entire situation wide open. Real Madrid wants the player, Leipzig is willing to talk, and Diomande’s camp has shifted — but nothing is close to finalized.
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