Teen winger Yan Diomande (C) appeared in four games for Ivory Coast during the 2026 World Cup. Photo by Albert Pena/EPA
Teen winger Yan Diomande, who played in all four games for Ivory Coast during the 2026 World Cup, is expected to sign with Real Madrid.
Sources told The Athletic, ESPN and the BBC about the expected $153.8 million agreement Sunday night. The 19-year-old spent last season with RB Leipzig of Germany’s Bundesliga.
Diomande also drew interest from Paris Saint-Germain of France’s Ligue 1 and English Premier League power Liverpool, among other clubs.
The Ivorian, who played at DME Academy in Daytona Beach, Fla. just two years ago, scored 12 goals and logged eight assists over 33 appearances last season for RB Leipzig. He totaled two scores and an assist over 10 appearances in 2024-25 for Spanish La Liga club Leganes.
Bernardo Silva, Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konate and Denzel Dumfries were among Madrid’s previous summer signings. The La Liga power also has been linked to Manchester City star Rodri, who captained Spain to 2026 World Cup glory.
Madrid placed second last season in La Liga, eight points behind rival Barcelona. Los Blancos will face Fiorentina in a friendly Saturday in Klagenfurt, Austria. They will launch their La Liga campaign against Espanyol on Aug. 22 in Barcelona.
Spain defeats Argentina to win 2026 FIFA World Cup
Spain’s captain Rodri raises the trophy as he and his teammates celebrate after defeating Argentina 1-0 in extra time to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup in East Rutherford, N.J.,, on June 19, 2026. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
