Real Madrid join Yan Diomande chase as Liverpool’s transfer talks stall

Liverpool’s bid to sign RB Leipzig teenage talent Yan Diomande has hit a fresh roadblock, with Real Madrid stepping into the transfer race after tracking the winger’s standout World Cup displays with Ivory Coast.

New Reds boss Andoni Iraola is overhauling Liverpool’s squad ahead of the 2026/27 Premier League campaign, having already sealed a £34.5 million deal to bring Spain international Victor Muñoz to Anfield from Osasuna.

The manager also has eyes on multiple players from his former side Bournemouth, including El Junior Kroupi and Alex Scott. Yet it is 19-year-old Diomande who has captured the imagination of Liverpool supporters amid swirling summer transfer gossip.

While the Reds remain confident the young Ivorian favours a switch to Merseyside, a wide valuation gap separates the two clubs. Leipzig are aiming for a massive profit on Diomande, whom they signed from Leganes last summer for £17.3 million. The Bundesliga club have already rejected Liverpool’s opening €100 million offer.

Paris Saint-Germain are also weighing up a formal bid for the winger, a development that risks sparking a costly bidding war Liverpool are desperate to avoid.

Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez is determined to land a marquee summer signing as part of Jose Mourinho’s second spell in charge at the Bernabéu. Spanish outlet El Debate reports Los Blancos are preparing to table an offer, impressed by Diomande’s consistent performances for Ivory Coast at the 2026 World Cup.

The surge in elite suitors is excellent news for Leipzig, who are targeting a sale worth at least £125 million. Liverpool, however, are hoping to hold their spending below the £125 million club record they shelled out to sign Alexander Isak back in 2026.

Football fans will get another chance to watch Diomande showcase his talent in the World Cup Round of 32, where Ivory Coast are scheduled to face Norway on 30 June.