Real Madrid have agreed a club-record fee of €135m (£115.7m) with RB Leipzig for Yan Diomande and secured the future of Vinícius Júnior, according to reports following negotiations on Wednesday afternoon. The deal for the 19-year-old eclipses the fee Madrid previously paid Borussia Dortmund for Jude Bellingham in 2023, making Diomande the most expensive African player in history.
Yan Diomande Transfer Details And Record-Breaking Fee
The total package for Diomande consists of an initial €125m payment plus €10m in add-ons, according to club sources. Leganés, where the teenager made 10 appearances before his initial £17.4m move to Germany last summer, are owed a 5% sell-on fee from the transfer. Diomande arrived at Leipzig’s pre-season training camp in Austria on Wednesday and is expected to sign a contract running until 2031.
The fee surpasses the previous record for an African player set in 2019, when Arsenal spent £72m on Nicolas Pépé. It also tops Madrid’s previous benchmark set by the acquisition of Bellingham, which was valued at up to €134m including add-ons, following several weeks of negotiations that ultimately saw Paris Saint-Germain withdraw from the race.
Vinícius Júnior Contract Talks And Arsenal Interest
Diomande’s arrival does not affect the playing future of Vinícius Júnior, as the 26-year-old forward and his representatives from Roc Nation held formal contract discussions with Madrid officials on Wednesday. Arsenal have monitored the situation closely, remaining prepared to bid more than £100m for the Brazil international, who has less than a year remaining on his current deal.
Despite reports of a rejected proposal, sources in Spain indicate that Vinícius is evaluating an improved offer closer to his requested €30m-a-season salary following productive talks. Vinícius noted on Tuesday that manager José Mourinho expressed a desire for him to remain happy and focused on his football upon returning to pre-season training after the World Cup.
Did you know? Yan Diomande’s rapid rise saw him star for Côte d’Ivoire at the World Cup just a year after departing Leganés for the Bundesliga.
Premier League Targets And Alternative Attacking Options
Arsenal continue to shape their squad for the upcoming campaign, having agreed a £75m deal to sign Bruno Guimarães from Newcastle United. Mikel Arteta’s club are exploring alternative attacking targets should Vinícius opt to extend his stay in the Spanish capital. Barcelona sporting director Deco met with Atlético Madrid representatives on Wednesday to discuss Argentina forward Julián Alvarez, though Arsenal retain hopes of persuading the 26-year-old to move to north London.
Arsenal previously pursued Morgan Rogers before the England forward joined Chelsea for a British record £117m fee. Recruitment teams have also linked the club with Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola, an attacker also tracked by Liverpool and valued by the European champions at approximately £145m.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did Real Madrid pay for Yan Diomande?
Real Madrid agreed a fee of €135m (£115.7m) comprising €125m initially and €10m in add-ons, according to reports.
What is the duration of Yan Diomande’s contract?
The 19-year-old is expected to sign a deal keeping him at Real Madrid until 2031.
Are Arsenal still pursuing Vinícius Júnior?
Arsenal remain interested and are prepared to pay over £100m, though Vinícius is currently weighing up an improved contract offer from Madrid.
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