Real Madrid look to have won the race for RB Leipzig’s coveted winger, Yan Diomande, after Paris Saint-Germain withdrew from the bidding war.
- Yan Diomande, 19, enjoyed a breakout season in the Bundesliga and impressed during the World Cup.
- He was linked with Liverpool early, then his camp said he would prioritize a move to Paris/PSG.
- PSG formally withdrew, saying it will not break its "principles" of rational financial management and squad balance.
The Ivory Coast international has been the subject of an intense transfer saga this summer, following a breakout season in the Bundesliga and an impressive World Cup campaign.
The 19-year-old was linked with a move with Liverpool early in the window, before the player’s camp revealed he would instead prioritise a switch to Paris. However, with Real now moving ahead of PSG, Diomande looks set for the Bernabéu withthe reported fee “well in excess” of €100m (£85m).
The breakthrough comes just days after Leipzig rejected Madrid’s opening proposal of €90m plus €10m in add-ons. Diomande, who has reportedly already agreed personal terms with Real, is now expected to fly to the Spanish capital for a medical.
The deal will come as a blow for PSG, who looked to be the frontrunners, with many reports suggesting they were his first choice if he did leave Germany. However, the European champions were unable to agree a fee and issued a statement on Sunday insisting they will not break their “principles”.
The statement read: “Paris Saint-Germain has this evening formally withdrawn its interest in and bids for Yan Diomande. PSG will not break its principles of rational financial management and squad balance.”
Meanwhile, Liverpool have turned their attention to PSG’s Bradley Barcola as they continue to search for wingers.
