Yan Diomande skips RB Leipzig match as Real Madrid transfer talks stall
RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande has missed a pre-season friendly after calling in sick amid stalled transfer negotiations with Spanish giants Real Madrid.
The highly sought-after attacker was absent from the Bundesliga side’s fixture against Verl following a period of unanswered bids from the Bernabeu.
It is understood the player hoped to bypass the club’s upcoming training camp in Austria in order to force through a move to the Spanish capital.
Leipzig stance frustrates Spanish giants
Real Madrid officials were reportedly surprised by the lack of response from Germany regarding their most recent formal offer.
The Leipzig hierarchy had previously remained reluctant to sanction a departure before interest from Carlo Ancelotti’s side intensified.
However, the current stalemate has thrust the player’s immediate future into significant doubt as he anxiously waits for an agreement to be reached.
Liverpool shift focus to alternative targets
While Liverpool previously monitored the Leipzig forward, the Premier League side have now turned their full attention toward Paris St-Germain winger Bradley Barcola.
A potential breakthrough could be on the horizon after the French giants advanced their own pursuit of Monaco midfielder Maghnes Akliouche.
The 23-year-old former Lyon prospect has reportedly given a verbal agreement to a move to Anfield, having recently rejected contract extension discussions in Paris.
Despite the player’s clear willingness to relocate, a staggering £145m valuation currently stands as the sole obstacle to completing the transfer.
There are recent indications that the initial asking price could be reduced to £128.5m, a figure that is unlikely to deter the Merseyside club.
Anfield hierarchy ready to spend
The Reds demonstrated their significant financial muscle last summer by securing big-money deals for Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz.
Manager Andoni Iraola has openly acknowledged that adding further width to his squad remains a primary objective during this current window.
“You have to be always open to new options to improve the squad. There are obvious situations where we need to sign players.”
The head coach stressed that while the market will dictate the final cost, strengthening the flanks is an absolute necessity ahead of the new campaign.
“A winger for example, we definitely need to sign a winger, but there are other situations where we will have to analyse what the market gives you, what is the cost, how we also see the players we have.”