RB Leipzig CEO pushes back on Fabrizio Romano’s Yan Diomandé transfer claim

Fabrizio Romano is about as close to a transfer oracle as football has. When he says “here we go,” markets move and fans start printing jerseys. So when RB Leipzig’s CEO stepped in front of a microphone to directly contradict Romano’s claim that a verbal agreement existed for Yan Diomandé’s move to Real Madrid, it was not a small moment. What Romano said, and what Leipzig says Romano reported that a verbal agreement was in place between all parties for Diomandé to join Real Madrid, as of late July 2026. Leipzig’s CEO came out publicly to dispute that characterization, stating that no such agreement exists and that Diomandé is not leaving on the terms currently on the table. The gap between those two positions is, at this point, financial. Real Madrid’s first offer came in at €100 million, which Leipzig rejected. Madrid came back with a revised figure closer to €120 million. Leipzig’s position has held firm somewhere in the €130 to €135 million range, and possibly higher. Diomandé was born on November 14, 2006. He joined Leipzig from CD Leganés on July 16, 2025, after triggering a €20 million release clause. His contract runs until June 30, 2030. Leipzig paid a relatively modest fee...