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Barcelona Explored a Move for Yan Diomandé Before Real Madrid Entered the Race
Before Real Madrid launched their blockbuster move for Yan Diomandé, Barcelona had already explored the possibility of signing the highly rated Ivorian winger. However, RB Leipzig's asking price quickly put the deal out of reach.
Barcelona Had Diomandé on Their Radar
Yan Diomandé's expected move to Real Madrid has become one of the biggest stories of the summer transfer window, but Los Blancos were not the first Spanish club to inquire about the talented winger.
According to a report from Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona gathered information on the 19-year-old Ivorian while maintaining discussions with RB Leipzig, taking advantage of the strong relationship between the two clubs following previous transfer dealings.
However, Leipzig made their stance crystal clear from the beginning: Diomandé was not available for transfer unless an extraordinary offer arrived.
Leipzig's Price Tag Ended Barcelona's Interest
According to the report, the Bundesliga side valued Diomandé at well over €100 million, a figure Barcelona never seriously considered matching.
As a result, the Catalan club quickly shifted its attention elsewhere, knowing a deal for the young forward was financially unrealistic.
Meanwhile, Diomandé continued to raise his stock with impressive performances in Germany, further increasing his market value.
Real Madrid Changed Everything
As the months passed, Diomandé attracted interest from several of Europe's biggest clubs.
Paris Saint-Germain reportedly entered advanced talks over the Ivorian international, while Premier League clubs also monitored his progress. Ultimately, however, Real Madrid stepped in with an offer believed to be worth around €120 million, convincing Leipzig to move closer to approving the transfer.
If completed, Diomandé will sign a long-term contract with Los Blancos and become one of the most expensive signings in the club's history.
Barcelona Moved in a Different Direction
Unable to compete financially for Diomandé, Barcelona turned their attention to alternative attacking reinforcements.
After evaluating several options during the transfer window, Hansi Flick's side ultimately made Anthony Gordon their priority signing, while Real Madrid positioned themselves to complete one of the biggest transfers of the summer.
All signs now point to Diomandé arriving at the Santiago Bernabéu, bringing an end to a transfer saga in which Barcelona also tried—but ultimately failed—to make the first move.
