'Why on earth?' Real Madrid spent a staggering 223 billion won on a 20-year-old winger, the highest transfer fee in history: "Actually, he almost joined PSG..."

*This content was translated by AI.

Even Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid was this serious about the acquisition. Big clubs engaged in an intense, record-breaking competition to sign Yvan Diomande (20).

On the 6th (Korea time), Real Madrid announced via its official website: "We have reached an agreement with RB Leipzig (Germany) regarding Diomande's transfer. Diomande will play for Real Madrid for the next seven seasons until June 30, 2033."

According to local reports, Real Madrid secured Diomande after a fierce battle against Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Sports outlet 'The Athletic' detailed the transfer saga on the 8th. According to the outlet, Diomande's transfer fee consists of a base fee of €125 million (approximately 204 billion won) plus an option clause of €15 million (approximately 24.5 billion won), bringing the total potential value to €140 million (approximately 223 billion won). This marks the highest transfer fee ever for an African player and surpasses Leipzig's previous record of €90 million (approximately 147 billion won) set when Josko Gvardiol moved to Manchester City in 2023.

Furthermore, if all option clauses are triggered, Diomande's deal will exceed the transfer fee of Jude Bellingham (base €130 million, including options €134 million), setting a new club record for Real Madrid's highest-ever expenditure on a player. After missing out on major trophies in the past two seasons, Real Madrid, with the return of manager Jose Mourinho, has strengthened its squad to the peak by signing Diomande as its sixth summer acquisition following Ibrahima Konate, Denzel Dumfries, Bernardo Silva, Marc Cucurella, and Carlos Espie.

Diomande's rise was steep; he made his professional debut just 18 months ago at Spanish club Leganes. Wearing Leipzig's jersey last summer, Diomande recorded 13 goals and 9 assists in 36 official matches during the 2025–2026 season, capturing the attention of Europe's top clubs.

Initially, Liverpool and PSG were the most aggressive clubs in pursuing Diomande. According to 'The Athletic', Liverpool identified Diomande as a long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah and offered a transfer fee worth €100 million, but there was a significant gap between their offer and Leipzig's demands.

Subsequently, PSG chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi and manager Luis Enrique personally intervened to persuade Diomande, making his move to PSG appear likely. However, delays in negotiating salary terms and Leipzig's high transfer fee demands postponed the final contract signing.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, Real Madrid stepped in to sign Diomande. After the 2026 FIFA North America World Cup, Real Madrid held meetings with manager Ruben Amorim and its leadership team, identifying the strengthening of the right flank as their top priority due to a relative lack of firepower compared to the left side, which is crowded with Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe, and Jude Bellingham. Thus, they entered the race for Diomande.

Mourinho's persuasion proved decisive. Nathan Campbell, Diomande's agent from Rock Nation, told 'The Athletic': "The most critical factor was Manager Mourinho. Despite never having managed a French club before, he spoke to Diomande in fluent French. He explained his tactical vision, Diomande's role within the team, and the project in perfect French, showing deep respect for him. This completely won over Diomande's heart." Additionally, Real Madrid presented a blueprint citing Vinicius's growth as an example and gifted Diomande a special Real Madrid jersey with a unique number, fully securing his commitment.

Ultimately, Diomande confirmed his move to Real Madrid, while PSG declared its withdrawal from the race in July. Real Madrid then secured Leipzig's final approval by submitting a third offer worth €140 million with a higher guaranteed portion after two initial proposals were rejected, completing the major transfer.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.