Ivory Coast sensation Yan Diomande has officially made his first appearance at Real Madrid’s training base, just a day after completing a blockbuster transfer from RB Leipzig that could rise to an astonishing €140 million.
Real Madrid released photos of the 19-year-old winger working at the club’s Valdebebas training complex on Friday, August 7, giving supporters their first glimpse of the highly rated attacker beginning life with the Spanish giants.
Diomande underwent his medical examination earlier in the day before reporting for his first training session. According to the club, he began with work in the gym before moving onto the pitch for running drills and exercises with the ball. He trained individually as he starts preparations for the new season.
His arrival in Madrid follows one of the biggest transfers of the summer. Real Madrid are reportedly paying €125 million guaranteed, with bonuses potentially taking the total package to €140 million. The deal also hands Diomande a seven-year contract running until June 2033.
The staggering fee puts the Ivorian international in historic territory. Based on the guaranteed amount, Diomande becomes the most expensive signing in Real Madrid’s history, surpassing previous headline deals involving Jude Bellingham, Gareth Bale and Eden Hazard.
Diomande earned his mega-move after an explosive season with RB Leipzig, recording 13 goals and 10 assists in 36 competitive appearances. His pace, fearless dribbling and ability to attack defenders also attracted interest from several European heavyweights before Madrid secured his signature.
The youngster described joining Real Madrid as the fulfillment of a childhood dream while thanking Leipzig for helping accelerate his development.
Now the transfer drama is over and the work has begun.
With Diomande finally stepping onto the training pitch in Madrid, supporters will already be counting down to the moment the €140 million star makes his competitive debut in the famous white shirt.
