RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesReal Madrid are closing in on signing Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig, with the Ivory Coast winger on his way to Spain.
After weeks of negotiations, the Spanish club have agreed a monstrous €140 million package deal, including bonuses, to bring the player to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Diomande will now undergo his medical, sign his contract and be unveiled as Madrid’s latest superstar signing.
Madrid looking to create room for Rodri
Now, according to Alberto Pereiro on Onda Cero , Real Madrid are considering registering Yan Diomande with Castilla as part of a wider plan to preserve room in the first-team squad for Rodri.
The objective would be administrative rather than sporting, with the winger still expected to work and play under Jose Mourinho.
Arrival imminent. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
The proposal offers another indication that Real Madrid are trying to accommodate both Diomande and Rodri rather than choosing between the two operations.
Diomande is viewed as a major investment for the present and future, while Mourinho wants Rodri to provide greater control and playmaking quality in midfield.
Barcelona have advanced in the operation to sign Rodri in the last few hours, but it looks like Los Blancos have still not given up.
Registering the Ivorian with Castilla could give the club greater flexibility while they complete the remaining changes to Mourinho’s squad.
Not a sporting demotion
Diomande’s expected role remains firmly with the senior side.
Mourinho sees the teenager as an option on either wing and has already started planning how to integrate his pace and one-against-one ability into Real Madrid’s attack.
A player arriving for such a substantial fee will naturally be expected to feature prominently, regardless of where he is initially registered.
Rodri move has stalled. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Diomande, despite his age, is already ready for the highest level of football and also has World Cup experience following his outing with Ivory Coast.
Rodri operation is about more than space
Creating space would solve only one part of the Rodri equation.
Real Madrid must still reach an agreement with Manchester City while ensuring Barcelona do not pull ahead and get him to agree to a deal first.
The 30-year-old Spaniard looked destined to join Los Blancos , with it being suggested that he could take the No. 16 jersey at the club .
However, should Barça beat Real Madrid to his signing, Diomande’s Castilla registration could allow the club to sign someone else this summer.
Firstly, Los Blancos need the required approvals to register Diomande with Castilla, and it remains to be seen whether they get permission for that.
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