The arrival of Ivorian winger Yan Diomandé is unlikely to be the final piece of Real Madrid’s summer transfer business. Despite already making one of the biggest moves of the window, the Spanish giants are reportedly planning to strengthen several more areas before the transfer deadline, with both a central defender and a midfielder still on their shortlist.
Friday evening brought one of the biggest surprises of the summer. For weeks, Real Madrid had been heavily linked with Bayern Munich star Michael Olise, with many reports suggesting the French international was the club’s preferred attacking target. However, behind the scenes, the Madrid hierarchy had been working on a completely different deal. The club quietly accelerated negotiations for RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomandé, and discussions have now reached an advanced stage. According to multiple reports, an agreement worth around €120 million is close to being finalized, making the Ivorian one of the most expensive signings in Real Madrid history.
The move has shocked many observers because Diomandé’s name had barely been mentioned in connection with Los Blancos throughout the transfer window. In fact, Paris Saint-Germain had long been considered the clear favorite to secure his signature, with the French champions reportedly making significant progress in negotiations earlier in the summer. Real Madrid’s late intervention completely changed the picture and now places the Spanish club in pole position to complete one of the most unexpected transfers of the year.
Beyond the surprise factor, Diomandé’s imminent arrival sends a clear message about Real Madrid’s ambitions. After falling short of expectations last season, the club is determined to rebuild a squad capable of dominating both La Liga and the UEFA Champions League once again. Florentino Pérez and the club’s sporting department appear willing to invest heavily in elite talent, ensuring José Mourinho has every possible weapon available ahead of the new campaign.
According to Spanish newspaper AS, the Diomandé deal will not mark the end of Madrid‘s spending spree. The report claims the club still possesses considerable financial resources despite preparing a €120 million investment. Much of this financial flexibility comes from transfer income generated through former academy graduates from La Fábrica, with Real Madrid still owning sell-on percentages on several players who recently changed clubs. Those clauses have reportedly brought millions of euros into the club’s accounts, giving Madrid additional room to strengthen the squad without financial pressure.
Further departures could also increase the club’s transfer budget before the window closes. Several members of Mourinho’s squad continue to attract interest from other European clubs, and defender Raúl Asencio is among the players whose potential sale could generate a significant transfer fee. If one or two exits materialize, Madrid would be in an even stronger position to complete additional high-profile signings before the end of August.
🚨 NEW: Inter Milan are open to selling Alessandro Bastoni for €70 MILLION.
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) July 26, 2026
Real Madrid are discussing it internally. @diarioas 💰 pic.twitter.com/6fvkyncC0b
The priority after Diomandé is expected to be a world-class central defender. AS reports that Inter Milan star Alessandro Bastoni currently tops Real Madrid’s shortlist. The Italian international is highly admired for his defensive intelligence, composure in possession, and ability to build attacks from the back. A deal is believed to be valued at approximately €70 million, although negotiations with Inter would likely prove challenging given Bastoni’s importance to the Serie A club.
Real Madrid are also expected to reinforce their midfield before the transfer window closes. Contrary to previous speculation, Rodri is reportedly no longer considered the preferred option. Instead, the club is evaluating several alternative profiles, with José Mourinho expected to make the final decision based on the tactical balance he wants for his new-look squad. If Madrid succeed in completing all of these planned moves, the club could finish the summer with one of the strongest and deepest squads in European football, confirming that an extremely busy and exciting transfer window is still unfolding at the Santiago Bernabéu.
