Diomande's rapid and remarkable rise to Real Madrid

What the report says

BBC Sport reports that 19-year-old Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande is set to join Real Madrid from RB Leipzig in a transfer worth more than £100m. The deal would make him Leipzig’s record sale, is expected to set a new Real Madrid purchase record, and would make Diomande the most expensive African footballer, according to the report.

The move caps a steep ascent for a player who was little known less than 18 months ago. BBC Sport says Diomande previously played at DME Academy in Florida, had unsuccessful trials with several clubs, and then signed with Leganes. After 10 La Liga appearances, he moved to Leipzig for €20m. In his first full European season, he scored 13 goals and added 10 assists in all competitions, drawing interest from Liverpool, Paris St-Germain and Real Madrid.

The report describes Diomande as a highly athletic, creative winger who can play on either flank, with dribbling regarded as a major strength. It also notes a difficult personal background, including his childhood in Ivory Coast, his move to the United States as a teenager, and the death of his sister shortly after his La Liga debut against Real Madrid.

BBC Sport also highlights off-field complications around Diomande’s representation. His switch from Maxidel, the agency led by former Ivory Coast international Max Gradel, to Roc Nation has prompted a complaint to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. PSG reportedly withdrew from the race after concerns linked to agency negotiations, leaving Real Madrid positioned to complete one of the summer’s most significant transfers.