People familiar with Real’s plans say senior dealmakers Jose Angel and Juni Calafat have monitored Diomande for roughly five years, although his displays at the World Cup did not prompt an immediate response.
PSG had previously led the pursuit of the Ivory Coast international, but stepped aside after Real formally entered the race, confirming their decision on Sunday.
The French side said the proposed transfer cost and wage expectations were far beyond reasonable levels, adding that it would remain committed to disciplined financial management and maintaining balance within the squad.
The club also stated that, as back-to-back Champions League holders and one of the leading teams of recent seasons, it would not participate in attempts by some agents to artificially drive up prices, preferring to proceed with its recruitment strategy in a measured and assured manner.
Leipzig have made a determined effort to retain the attacker in Germany. However, the exceptional level of interest—and the prospect of a club-record fee—from Europe’s biggest teams has made those approaches difficult to turn down.
After producing 12 goals and eight assists during the previous campaign, Diomande was named the Bundesliga’s best young player for the 2025-26 season.
In 2025, he left his native Ivory Coast to continue his development at an academy in the United States before later signing for Spanish club Leganes.
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