RB Leipzig have pulled off a surprise signing by snapping up 18-year-old winger Yan Diomande from Spanish second-tier side Leganes.

• 18-year-old winger joins Leipzig from Leganes
• German side splash €20m on forward
• The Spanish club was recently relegated

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Bundesliga side beat several clubs to secure the signing of the Ivorian teenager, who emerged as one of the hottest prospects in Spanish football despite Leganes' relegation. Diomande played just 10 games in the Spanish top flight but did enough to catch the eyes of clubs across Europe, scoring two goals.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Diomande was signed by the Spanish club as a free agent for the reserve team in 2024 and was promoted to the first team in January 2025 after finishing as the top scorer of the USPL finals series. The €20 million (£17m/$23m) deal makes Diomande’s switch one of the five most expensive in Segunda Division history – with Darwin Nunez and Pedri moving for more than he has. The deal also includes a sell-on clause, ensuring Leganes a cut from any future transfer.

• WHAT YAN DIOMANDE SAID

  Speaking after the move, Diomande expressed his excitement at joining the German club.

  "I'm very happy that my future lies in Leipzig. It's a great honor for me to be able to play for this great club in the future," the 18-year-old said in the club's official statement.

  "The management wants to play fast-paced, attacking football, which suits my abilities very well. I can't wait to get to know my teammates and the entire staff and to be on the pitch with them soon."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR RB LEIPZIG?

  With the Diomonde deal secured, Leipzig ayre now in advanced talks to complete the signing of Red Star Belgrade’s Andrija Maksimovic and PSV forward Johan Bakayoko. According to Florian Plettenberg, the are planning a triple unveiling in the coming days.

Tags: Futebol
Category: News