Manchester City have entered the transfer battle for RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande, with the English runners-up reportedly offering €100 million including bonuses. According to Sky Sports, City have made a verbal approach to the Bundesliga club, though no written offer has been submitted. The move intensifies competition for the 19-year-old Ivorian, who has become one of Europe's hottest transfer targets this summer.
Real Madrid's Opening Bid Falls Short
Real Madrid have also made their move, with a formal offer of €90 million plus €10 million in add-ons totalling €100 million. The Spanish runners-up are actively pursuing Diomande as a potential replacement should Brahim Diaz leave the Bernabéu, according to reports from The Athletic. However, Leipzig rejected Madrid's initial package, signalling their valuation far exceeds the current bids on the table.
Leipzig's asking price sits considerably higher than what Europe's elite have offered so far. The Saxony club are believed to demand approximately €130 million to part with their prized asset. Even Paris Saint-Germain, who have long been considered frontrunners for his signature, have balked at that fee. Liverpool also saw a €100 million proposal rejected earlier this window, demonstrating Leipzig's resolve to retain their young star.
Diomande's Rise at Leipzig
Diomande's stellar performances warrant the premium price. Signed from CD Leganés last summer for €20 million, the Ivorian exploded onto the Bundesliga scene with 15 goals and 11 assists across 46 appearances in all competitions. His breakthrough campaign earned him a regular starting berth for Ivory Coast at the World Cup, where he provided one assist in four matches before the team's round-of-32 exit to Norway.
With Diomande contracted to Leipzig until 2030, the club hold all the leverage. They are reportedly preparing an improved contract offer to convince him to remain, blocking the exit door for now. If Real Madrid intensify their pursuit with a bid approaching €130 million, that could fundamentally shift the dynamic of this high-stakes negotiation and force Leipzig's hand in what has become football's summer transfer poker game.
