Real Madrid sign RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande in record £100m deal
Real Madrid have agreed a deal worth over £100m to sign 19-year-old winger Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig, making him the most expensive African player in history.
The Spanish giants have secured the Ivorian international in a landmark transfer that breaks previous financial records for both clubs.
Leipzig are set to receive their highest-ever fee for the teenager, who only joined them for €20m from Leganes less than 18 months ago.
During his first full season in European football, the lightning-fast forward registered an impressive 13 goals and 10 assists across all competitions.
A rapid rise to the Bernabeu
Before his breakthrough in La Liga, the highly-rated prospect struggled to find a professional club following a stint at Florida-based DME Academy.
He endured unsuccessful trial periods with several British sides, including Chelsea, Crystal Palace and Rangers, before Leganes finally took a chance on him.
That leap of faith proved highly lucrative for the Spanish outfit, as his explosive performances quickly alerted the Red Bull-funded club to his immense potential.
Beating Europe’s elite to a rare talent
Initially, the Bundesliga side had hoped to retain their star asset for another season to maximise his soaring market value.
However, intense interest from Liverpool and Paris St-Germain ultimately forced the German team to negotiate an immediate departure.
The versatile attacker, who featured for his country at the recent World Cup, is equally comfortable playing on either flank.
Primarily a right-footed dribbler, the former academy reject thrived on the right wing in Germany after previously starring on the left side in Spain.