Madrid, Aug 6 (IANS) Cote d'Ivoire international striker Yan Diomande has joined Real Madrid from RB Leipzig for a reported fee of around 130 million euros (160 million U.S. dollars), making him the club's most expensive signing.
The 19-year-old, who impressed for Leipzig last season with 13 goals and nine assists before further enhancing his reputation at this summer's World Cup, has signed a seven-year contract with the club coached by Jose Mourinho.
"Real Madrid C.F. and RB Leipzig have reached an agreement for the transfer of player Yan Diomande, who will be linked to our club for the next seven seasons, until June 30, 2033," confirmed the club website on Thursday.
"Saying goodbye isn't easy for me," Diomande said in a video posted to Leipzig's X account. "When I came to Leipzig a year ago, many of you didn't know who I was, but the club trusted me from day one and gave me a chance to prove myself at this level.
"I will never forget my first goal in a Leipzig jersey, nor that unforgettable evening when I scored three goals against Eintracht Frankfurt. I will carry those moments in my heart forever."
Diomande is Real Madrid's fifth summer signing following Bernardo Silva, Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konate and Denzel Dumfries. His arrival gives Madrid a formidable attack featuring Kylian Mbappe, Silva and Vinicius Junior, although Vinicius has yet to agree an extension to his contract, which expires in June 2027, with Endrick, Rodrygo and Brahim Diaz providing further options, reports Xinhua.
Diomande's move completes a remarkable rise for the youngster, who joined Leganes' B team at the start of 2025 at the age of 17. He made 10 first-team appearances during the closing weeks of the season as the southern Madrid club was relegated to the Spanish second division.
Those performances persuaded RB Leipzig to pay around 20 million euros for Diomande in July 2025. Just over a year later, the German club has made a profit of more than 100 million euros on the player.
--IANS
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