Top News

RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande has officially linked up again with his team-mates for pre-season training in Austria after recovering from a recent illness. The Ivory Coast wide player, who was one of the Bundesliga's standout performers last season, had been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid during his short spell away from the squad.

Diomande rejoins Leipzig camp in Austria

Leipzig have received a major lift with Diomande returning to training at the club's pre-season base in Saalfelden, Austria. The 19-year-old winger had originally stayed behind when the squad travelled to their summer camp after reporting sick. Now fully recovered, the Ivory Coast international is set to begin preparations for the 2026-27 season under new head coach Martin Demichelis.

The return of the current Bundesliga Rookie of the Season is an important development for Die Roten Bullen as they aim to build on last season's third-place finish. Diomande played a key role in helping the club secure a return to the UEFA Champions League, producing 12 goals and eight assists in 33 league appearances. His return to the training camp marks a sense of normality for a player who has remained at the centre of headlines across Europe throughout the summer transfer window.

Schafer dismisses transfer rumours

With reports continuing to link the winger with a high-value move to the Santiago Bernabeu, sporting director Marcel Schafer addressed the matter directly from the club's training camp. Schafer made it clear that despite the noise coming from different media reports, no deal has been agreed for the player's exit.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Schafer gave a firm response to the recent speculation. "A few days ago, one or two so-called transfer experts were saying the deal was done," Schafer said. "But that is simply not the case. Yan is under contract with us – he's our player."

Building on a breakthrough season

The excitement around Diomande is understandable given his rapid rise over the past 12 months. In addition to his strong Bundesliga output, he has also earned global recognition with a nomination for the 2026 Golden Boy award alongside team-mate Lennart Karl. His pace, ability to beat defenders and composed finishing have made him one of the most dangerous attackers in the German top division. As Leipzig begin a new era under Demichelis, attention will now turn to taking Diomande's game to an even higher level.

The value of having Diomande available for the entire pre-season programme cannot be overstated. With squad planning and tactical work already in progress, the involvement of the Rookie of the Season in training drills in Austria gives Demichelis the chance to shape his attacking patterns around the winger's particular strengths.

Crucial fixtures coming up

Leipzig's competitive calendar for the 2026-27 season is approaching quickly, leaving little scope for distractions. The club begin their campaign with a DFB Cup first-round away trip to Eintracht Trier on 22 August. That match will offer the first indication of how Demichelis wants his side to play in a competitive setting, and whether Diomande will return straight to the starting XI after his illness. After the cup match, the challenge rises sharply as Leipzig host Borussia Monchengladbach in their Bundesliga opener a week later at the Red Bull Arena.