Perez's campaign promise backfires: Leipzig want €130m

Real Madrid's Yan Diomande file has reached a second stage, coloured further by an interesting political backdrop. According to Ben Jacobs, RB Leipzig demand €130 million for Yan Diomande and have reminded Real Madrid of Florentino Perez's €150 million promise; Leipzig told Madrid that Perez had campaigned on promising this figure for the Ivorian winger.

This development is the natural continuation of a story we covered earlier. Following the report on Real Madrid's official €100 million (90+10) bid being rejected, the process has now moved to a new stage.

Jacobs shared a detailed explanation on the matter. On X, he stated: "Real Madrid's proposal for Yan Diomande was €90m+€10m and has already been rejected. Real still in talks. Leipzig want around €130m (likely fixed), and have already pointed to the fact Florentino Perez campaigned promising a €150m signing. The bid is not identical to Liverpool's last rejected offer, which was €80m+€20m."

There is also an interesting political context behind this strategic move. According to Madrid Universal, Perez's promise of a €150 million signing during his election campaign this summer may have signalled to the world that the club has the resources to pay such a huge fee, with Leipzig reported to be trying to use this to their advantage.

This file's connection to Real Madrid's other target has also become clear. It is emphasised that Michael Olise had emerged as the primary target, but Real Madrid's turn towards Diomande is interpreted as an indirect signal that the club is stepping back from the Olise race while the €150 million budget remains available.

The financial obstacle facing the talks has also become concrete. It is noted that there is a gap of around €40 million between Real Madrid's and Leipzig's fixed-fee valuations, which could complicate negotiations further.

Source: Ben Jacobs
Image: NDTV Sports