Leipzig's Football Club has acquired three new players within a single day.
In a significant move to strengthen their squad, German Bundesliga club RB Leipzig has signed 18-year-old Ivorian winger Yan Diomande from Spanish side C.D. Leganés. The transfer, which cost around €20 million, was triggered by Diomande's release clause and marks his first foray into a top European league.
Born in Abidjan in 2006, Diomande moved to the USA at a young age and honed his skills at the DME Academy in Florida. He made his professional debut in early 2025 for Leganés and appeared 10 times, scoring two goals and providing one assist.
Marcel Schäfer, sporting director of RB Leipzig, described Diomande as "dribble-strong, athletic, and having a strong finish," and believes he will give the new RB playing style the final touch with the motto "intense, energetic, dynamic."
Diomande has signed a four- to five-year contract with RB Leipzig and is part of the club’s strategy under new manager Ole Werner to bolster the squad with emerging young talents. He is expected to provide pace and dynamism on the wings, enhancing Leipzig’s attacking options.
While Diomande is a promising young talent, it is unclear whether he will make an immediate impact or be considered an investment for the future. He is likely to start in a rotational role to develop and prove his value before becoming a regular starter.
RB Leipzig has also signed Johan Bakayoko from PSV Eindhoven, with the 23-year-old Serbian national player set to support the offense as the new number 9. No information has been provided about the medical tests or immediate playing status of either Diomande or Bakayoko.
In another signing, RB Leipzig has acquired Andrija Maksimovic from Red Star Belgrade. The 18-year-old has signed a contract until 2030 and will play in offensive midfield for Leipzig. The cost of the transfer was not disclosed.
The signings reflect Leipzig’s ambition to invest in youthful prospects who can grow within the Bundesliga environment and bring fresh attacking impetus to the team. This includes Antonio Nusa, a 20-year-old who is expected to be competition for Diomande under RB coach Ole Werner.
Yan Diomande is eager to meet his teammates and play on the pitch soon, as he embarks on this exciting new chapter of his career with RB Leipzig.
Yan Diomande is set to join the European-leagues football scene as he signs for RB Leipzig, strengthening their squad and bringing his dribbling skills and athletic playstyle. With the motto of "intense, energetic, dynamic," Diomande is expected to provide pace and dynamism on the wings, contributing to Leipzig's attacking options.
