The leaders of RB Leipzig didn’t give up and they did well. After a successful first season in Germany (13 goals, 10 assists in 36 matches, all competitions), Yan Diomandé (19 years old) saw his popularity skyrocket on the transfer market. The English from Liverpool also tried to complete his arrival on the banks of the Mersey, but the Reds quickly came up against the financial demands of the RBL. Leipzig agreed to sell its nugget, but not at any price.
Diomandé in the middle of a dream
The Germans demanded more than €100 million. An extremely high sum for an inexperienced player coming off just one Bundesliga season. But in the end, Liverpool agreed to take out the checkbook. Except that things got complicated for the Reds. Leipzig was as greedy as ever and Paris Saint-Germain joined in the dance. The reigning double European champions were even announced as the big winners of the deal. The transfer was announced as practically done. Then a new twist occurred.
Leipzig asked for more than €120 million for Diomandé and PSG ended up throwing in the towel. The Rouge et Bleu no longer want to make reckless splurges for a player without much reference and have therefore ended negotiations. A boon for Real Madrid who, to everyone’s surprise, decided to beat everyone to the post by paying €140 million, bonus included. A bomb since Casa Blanca recruited the most expensive player in its history unexpectedly. José Mourinho also confided that the Ivorian was not in his initial plans. At a time when Real Madrid will launch its La Liga season at Espanyol, Diomandé will therefore be one of the new attractions of the Spanish championship. The Ivorian has also come out of silence for the media SportyTV to return to his surprise arrival in Madrid.
Ready to die for Mourinho
“It was like a dream, because there is no bigger club than Real Madrid. You know, when Real Madrid comes to you and says “we want you”, it’s like a dream. And I didn’t sleep anymore. I couldn’t believe it. And today, I’m here, I’m super happy and proud. I first spoke with the director, Juni (Calafat), then with the coach (Mourinho), of course. And I was surprised because he speaks French. I think it was five o’clock in the morning in Portugal, and he woke me up to talk to me. He told me it was important. And I said, “Why not?” »It’s Real Madrid, and when Real Madrid calls you, you’re not going to say no. And I told him, “If you want me to come, of course I’ll come.” » He is a friend and a boss. He said to me, “You’re part of my team, and you’re here, so I’m happy.” I replied: “I’m happy to be part of your team, and I want to work with you, because it’s the best club.” He’s got a lot of personality, of course, which is a good thing for us, because sometimes when you’re young you’re a little bit everywhere at once, and sometimes you lose focus. I think he’s a good coach for me to continue to progress as a young player.”he declared, before explaining that his merengue adventure is due to the Divine.
“I think it’s God. It is God because I believe a lot in God, and I am African; in Africa, we believe in God, and personally, I believe in him a lot. And what a coincidence, because my first professional match was against Real Madrid, and today I play for Real Madrid. So, like I said, I’m happy to be here. I just want to enjoy playing football, because it’s the only thing I know how to do. I want to enjoy playing football every day. I exchanged my jersey with Mbappé. Today we are in the same place and we are together. It’s crazy. Amazing. If you play for Mourinho, you are ready to do anything for him, of course. You know his character and what he is like. Everyone is ready to do anything for him. We are ready to die for him. » The message got through. Now onto the pitch.
