Real Madrid finalize deal for Ivorian Diomande

Spanish club Real Madrid has reached an agreement with German side RB Leipzig to sign Ivorian player Yankuba Diomande for €135 million ($156 million).

Diomande attracted interest from several top European clubs after his standout performances for Leipzig in the German Bundesliga last season. If the deal is completed, Diomande will become the most expensive African player in history.

Paris Saint-Germain withdrew from the race to sign the player last month, paving the way for Real Madrid to secure the deal. The 19-year-old scored 13 goals and provided 10 assists for Leipzig last season.

Diomande’s rapid rise is one of the most notable success stories in European football in recent times. After undergoing trials with Chelsea, Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, and Rangers, he signed with Spanish club Leganes in March 2025.

He made 10 appearances for Leganes, scoring two goals, before transferring to Leipzig for approximately £20 million, according to reports. He also started in all four of Ivory Coast’s matches at the World Cup before the team was eliminated in the Round of 32.